A Dark Lent and a Future Hope

I have not been directly commenting on the developments that have been afflicting traditionalists. Partly, because I can draw on no privileged sources of information. Partly, because I could add little to the many eloquent testimonials and analyses readily available to all. Finally, because of the sheer volume of materials emerging as the war against both the Traditional Mass and the Catholic faith engulfs the whole Church. For example, I have not yet been able to read any of the books that saw the light of day at the end of last year: by Gänswein, by the late Pope Benedict, etc. But let me now summarize briefly the current situation – all of which should be familiar to our readers  – and add some personal comments.  

Indisputably, the Church is entering a dramatic and tragic time. In Germany, and not just there, the synodal path is reaching a decisive phase. A major church like Germany may imminently adopt doctrines and a constitution incompatible with the basic tenets of Catholicism. A schism will arise –  that is, unless Pope Francis expressly or silently endorses the German decisions. But that will create an even greater crisis!  Already, outside of Germany, bishops are publicly accusing other bishops  of teaching heresy. (In fact, of course, they have been teaching it for a long time! ). Throughout the Church, the prevalence doctrinal confusion regarding the most fundamental principles of Christian morality is devastating and disheartening.

As for traditionalism, with the rescriptum of February 2023 Francis redoubled his commitment to his flagging war against Catholic tradition. Indeed, in some respects the impact of this document was greater than anything else issued since Traditionis Custodes itself. Although basically it is republishing and endorsing a document from 2021,  the rescriptum demonstrates  beyond the shadow of the doubt the “steely determination” (Christopher Lamb) of Francis to eliminate Catholic traditionalism. Rumors continue about further documents to be  issued,  this time perhaps targeting the Ecclesia Dei institutes. We have not yet seen anything authoritative in this regard.  However, reputable observers have pointed out that the rumors seem very specific, and, in the case of Francis, one cannot exclude any action at any time. All of this is happening  – or is rumored to shortly happen – in the so-called “Holy Season” of Lent and Eastertide. 

Here in our own New York neighborhood, we see in some dioceses traditional mass after mass being terminated without explanation or even the courtesy of a notice. In some cases, the faithful are exiled to a school gymnasium or chapel. It is a perfect image of the hatred Francis and most of his bishops have for the traditionalist faithful. In other dioceses,  however, quiet still prevails on the liturgical front.

The “optics” of these actions are terrible. Coming so soon after the death of Pope Benedict, the pope’s and the Church’s deeds confirm the self-understanding of the “conciliar” Church as totally breaking  with the past – not just of the Church prior to the Council, but even of that which existed under John Paul II and Benedict as well.  The suspicion of a personal vendetta also naturally arises. And all this is occurring amid a never-ending series of outrageous sexual and financial scandals at the Vatican and at the level of the national churches: France, Germany, the UK , Portugal…. Do I need to add that all the objective indicia of the life of the Church (the level of religious practice, vocations, financial resources, etc.) indicate disastrous decline? Yet the Pope and most bishops pursue their anti-Traditionalist war and “synod on synodality” completely indifferent to the storm clouds enveloping the Church. Is it any wonder that, even in the camp of the progressives, Massimo Faggioli speaks of “paralysis” and Cardinal Kaspar opines:

The Church is in a very profound crisis. It is indisputable that we can’t continue as before. But how the future of the Church will look in detail – none of us knows. 1)

Yet, on the local level the traditionalist priests and faithful carry on. They continue the basic apostolate of traditionalism: to celebrate the Latin mass and, if they can,  the other sacraments. I do not see the slightest evidence of despair, conformism, or susceptibility to any possible reeducation programs. Yes, it is a bitter blow to leave churches that the traditionalists in some cases had refurbished at great cost;  to experience contempt and rejection by bishops with whom they had made every effort to remain on good terms. It is especially tragic for the young priests who cannot celebrate the sacraments in the form they love.

Ten years ago, I asked: how would American traditionalists respond if the Church renewed the persecution of the 1960s and 1970s? So far, the answer has been clear:  the faithful are continuing the practice of the traditional Catholic faith, are forging links with other traditionalists and even, where it is the only option available, taking measures to survive underground.  I have no doubt that the Traditionalist movement will survive and even be strengthened by these trials. Was this not the experience of the Church in the 3rd century under the declining Roman Empire when the great persecutions of Decius and Diocletian took place? 

In this situation when everything seems to be in flux, and conflict and confusion reign, the Catholic must not succumb to fear.  Pope Francis and his minions rule by fear: the fear of the actions they may take,  of the statements they may make,  of the men they may appoint. The fear and confusion are compounded by the lack of transparency that, regrettably, still prevails in the Roman Catholic Church at all levels: in the Vatican, the dioceses, and the individual parishes. But nevertheless, we cannot yield to fear. I have been privileged to meet and hear the testimony of witnesses –  such as the late Cardinal Pell –  who have resolutely encountered similar or greater storms. Traditionalism – which, after all,  is nothing but the simple practice of the Catholic Faith in its fullest – has survived many things.  It will survive this onslaught.

At the Society of Saint Hugh of Cluny,  we remain committed to the cause confirmed by Pope Benedict with Summorum Pontificum. You may have recently noticed that after the lengthy hiatus caused by the COVID measures the Society has finally reemerged, sponsoring masses and lectures. It may be that we will not be able to report on things as openly as we did in the past. It may be that our sponsorships will need to be made quietly.  And I don’t want to make any guesses as to when and how this extraordinary crisis of the Church may end. Rest assured, however, that this apostolate will continue in the firm hope of a better day.

1. Ring-Eifel, Ludwig, “Kardinal Kasper: Synodaler Weg wird sich nicht durchsetzen,” katholisch.de (3/5/2023)