20 Years from Now

[PrayforMallory2]

I have a five year old and I’m wondering what the Church will be like when she is my age. What do you guys think will happen? Will we see the Tridentine Mass spread? Will it replace the Novus Ordo? What do you guys think will happen with the liberal movements? Will the Church shrink dramatically, etc.?

I’d like to read a discussion of what you guys think the state of the Church will be like 20 years from now.

P.S. Please no sentimental answers. I’d like to read some responses based on some kind of evidence.

 

[PraRFLEsEkHm]

Hi

I hesitate to go where you are leading, lol. For one thing, God is in control - so you never really know what will happen. It ALWAYS comes out way better than expected, or what it seems like it will - based on our very limited understanding of what is really important.

In general - adversity produces two things. 1) A stronger more grounded faith in those who continue to persevere. 2) weeding out those who are pretenders.

I guess I could give a more detailed example of what I’m getting at, but it would end with this: Gods plan is to save all who would be saved. That is, was, and will continue to be His goal - right up to the bitter end.

Stand strong with Him, teach your daughter the foundations of our faith, go to Mass, and refer to the CCC with any questions.

Sorry if this isn’t what you were looking for - I kinda read between the lines and went off of that.

Peace

 

[Claire_from_DE]

Last night I was at a parish meeting for catechists. I’m 62 years old; some of the other catechists were in their 20’s. I don’t know what the future will bring but I think it’s in good hands! These young people are devout and enthusiastic. My parish only has the NO but it is done properly.

I don’t think the TLM will replace the NO but I would expect to see more Latin in the NO and hopefully a return to more theologically correct hymns.

 

[JuanCarlos]

Imagine someone asking this question in 1955…

 

[NicPais83]

Honestly, I’m optimistic that the Church will only grow. As much as my preference is the Tridentine Mass, I would be very surprised if it surplanted the Novus Ordo. What I believe is the take-home message of the Tridentine Mass is to reign in on the practices of the Novus Ordo and bring it in line with the intended application of the Second Vatican Council. I see the Novus Ordo, 20 years from now practiced with more Latin, and in some places, all in Latin. I easily see it reclaiming things such as ad orientem, Gregorian Chant, incense, etc.

In terms of changes, I really do believe that there will be changes, but that they might be subtle and that the average lay Catholic may not notice them. For example, I could imagine a revision to the rubrics to make them stricter. I could picture new statements from Rome directing who is allowed in the Sanctuary and when. I am hopeful for the end of Extraordinary Ministers, but we shall see. The absolute most dramatic change I could see are the re-introduction of some older prayers, but I don’t know.

 

[Rabbititus]

I think the Tridentine mass will become more common - not as common as the NO - but gone will be the days of having to drive an hour or more to see one. I’ve heard how more seminarians seem interested in traditional liturgy, and more seminaries are teaching how to say the traditional mass.

I think the NO will become overall more traditionally celebrated - again because younger priests seem to be more interested in that sort of thing.

I think that church attendance will drop even more and that church mergers and closures will continue. It seems to me that there used to be an expectation for young Catholics who lapsed in their college years to return to the church once they married and had kids - but this pressure doesn’t exist for my generation (I’m in my 20’s). Everyone my age I know who was raised Catholic got married in civil ceremonies and hasn’t bothered to Baptise their kids, or did so begrudgingly because their parents or grandparents practically begged them. I know one person who got married in church because she wanted a pretty church wedding, but she hasn’t stepped foot in church ever since. So once the older generations who now go to church die out, there simply won’t be a lot of younger people to replace them.

 

[bpbasilphx]

**
I hesitate to go where you are leading, lol. For one thing, God is in control - so you never really know what will happen. It ALWAYS comes out way better than expected, or what it seems like it will - based on our very limited understanding of what is really important.**

I’ll say a big AMEN to that. One thing I’ve learned is that God seldom does QUITE what you think He’s going to do.

 

[Scottgun]

The generation that went in for the loopy stuff are fizzling fast and not being replaced. The younger generations are more and more gravitating toward traditional worship. They are not as numerous yet, but if its a fight between 200 teenagers and 500 octagenarians, bet on the teenagers.

 

[Rickwood]

I have a five year old and I’m wondering what the Church will be like when she is my age. What do you guys think will happen? Will we see the Tridentine Mass spread? Will it replace the Novus Ordo? What do you guys think will happen with the liberal movements? Will the Church shrink dramatically, etc.?

I’d like to read a discussion of what you guys think the state of the Church will be like 20 years from now.

P.S. Please no sentimental answers. I’d like to read some responses based on some kind of evidence.

I seriously believe that in 20 years there will be a number of people who will look back in sorrow at how their veiled dreams never materialized and in disbelief at the amount of time they spent judging the Church and wishing for what only they believed to be “better.”

No, the Tridentine Mass will certainly not “replace” the Pauline Mass. Not only would such a move be senseless, it would offend the great majority of Catholics on many different levels and it would make the Church appear ridiculously fickle.

I think in the coming 20 years the actual fruits of VC2 will be realized more and more. Catholics in general will receive better and more catechesis. We won’t see for example, people using slurs like “Novus Ordo” or worse, “NO” to describe the Pauline Mass. I also don’t see the Church shrinking – quite the opposite actually.

 

[Cat]

I’m a new Catholic, so I have only my reading to base my comments on, as well as my own four short years of being Catholic.

I believe that over the next 20 years, the greatest threat to Catholicism and Christianity in general will come from Islam. We in the U.S. have no perception of the imminence of this threat. Christians will face physical and spiritual annihilation from the advance of Islam, not just the “extreme” Muslims, but all of those who call Mohammed their prophet.

For this reason, I believe that the Vatican and the Pope will give more and more attention and time to Islamic issues, and allow **the bishops, especially in the U.S., to handle more of the “everyday” problems and make more of the decisions of liturgy, etc. in their own dioceses.

For this reason**, I believe that the Catholic Church will take on the “appearance” of being “less unified”, but as long as we all continue to trust our Pope and honor our bishops, we will hang on and remain ONE HOLY CATHOLIC APOSTOLIC Church in the face of the threat of the Mohammedans. But we MUST support our Pope and his BIshops, because they alone speak for Christ.

This will become the biggest “controversy”–those who advocate following the Pope in spite of the outward appearance of “chaos” of the practices in the Catholic Church vs. those who advocate “taking back” the Church and returning to a time in the past when all things were done the same by all churches and there was no diversity of practice. I believe that this controversy will be a “drain” on the heart and energy of the Catholic Church. The Pope will encourage Catholics to hold onto each other, but there will be Catholics who “split off” from Holy Mother Church and form their own “catholic” “churches.” We must guard against this and speak out in favor of unity.

I believe we will only see the TLM on special occasions. I believe it will eventually be treated more as an historical relic, worthy of preservation and respect, but not done in parishes more than a few times a year.

OTOH, I do believe that there will be MORE reverence for, adoration of, and LOVE for Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament as people turn to Him in the hard times that are coming. I believe we will see more attention paid to Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament and that Catholics will treat Mass seriously and actually attend and participate, I believe that Jesus Himself in the Blessed Sacrament will attract and draw into the Church the non-believers and believers in Christ who are not currently Catholic.

I believe that we’ll see more and more people surging OUT of the Protestant churches, including the evangelical/Pentecostal/fundamental/non-denominational churches, and many of these people will become Catholic. The rest will give up Christian faith entirely and embrace the simplicity of Islam, or become cynics.

Notice the term “simplicity.” Islam is attractive primarily because of its simplicity. It is “Catholic Lite,” and many who become disgusted with Catholic “diversity” and Protestant divisions will be deceived into following Mohammed.

From what I can see of Protestantism (remember, I was evangeglical Protestant for 47 years, and still have most of my friends, relatives and acquaintances in these churches), it will continue to divide and implode and eventually fall apart entirely, as there is no unifying “head” to keep Protestants together in the face of Islamic attack. There will be many in Protestant churches who truly love Jesus and are hungering and thirsting for righteousness, and they will be led to the Catholic Church by the Holy Spirit and by Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament. Those who were simply feeding their emotions in Protestant “worship services” will starve.

 

[stacybks]

Well… not quite Catholic yet… just have to be Confirmed…

But I’ll tell you from a Pentecostal background… just trust the Holy Spirit and let the Triune Godhead do what they do best… The outcome will be different but will always be better than we think.

All I can say is, I’m loving the Catholic Faith as each second passes by… so I would not be surprised if I end up being a catechist…

 

[KingAlfred]

I have a five year old and I’m wondering what the Church will be like when she is my age. What do you guys think will happen? Will we see the Tridentine Mass spread? Will it replace the Novus Ordo? What do you guys think will happen with the liberal movements? Will the Church shrink dramatically, etc.?

I’d like to read a discussion of what you guys think the state of the Church will be like 20 years from now.

P.S. Please no sentimental answers. I’d like to read some responses based on some kind of evidence.

I suspect hardcore traditionalists will break away, and form into their own faction, as liberalism grows within the Church. Personally, I will probably side with liberalism, as long as it’s reasonable. While I respect Tridentine Traditionalism immensely, I believe it should be an option in Church worship, and not the norm. I support Vatican II completely. In fact, I’d like to see the Church become a bit more inclusive.

 

[Rickwood]

Your posting is very insightful. I agree with it on many levels.

I actually think the growing threat of Islam will prove to be a unifying force within Christendom. Not only do I see more Protestants returning Home, I see individual Orthodox state churches returning Home as well – but not the entirety of Orthodoxy which is so horribly splintered.

I think the EF will be around for quite some time, but I don’t see it being more of a factor then it is today.

I’m a new Catholic, so I have only my reading to base my comments on, as well as my own four short years of being Catholic.

I believe that over the next 20 years, the greatest threat to Catholicism and Christianity in general will come from Islam. We in the U.S. have no perception of the imminence of this threat. Christians will face physical and spiritual annihilation from the advance of Islam, not just the “extreme” Muslims, but all of those who call Mohammed their prophet.

For this reason, I believe that the Vatican and the Pope will give more and more attention and time to Islamic issues, and allow **the bishops, especially in the U.S., to handle more of the “everyday” problems and make more of the decisions of liturgy, etc. in their own dioceses.

For this reason**, I believe that the Catholic Church will take on the “appearance” of being “less unified”, but as long as we all continue to trust our Pope and honor our bishops, we will hang on and remain ONE HOLY CATHOLIC APOSTOLIC Church in the face of the threat of the Mohammedans. But we MUST support our Pope and his BIshops, because they alone speak for Christ.

This will become the biggest “controversy”–those who advocate following the Pope in spite of the outward appearance of “chaos” of the practices in the Catholic Church vs. those who advocate “taking back” the Church and returning to a time in the past when all things were done the same by all churches and there was no diversity of practice. I believe that this controversy will be a “drain” on the heart and energy of the Catholic Church. The Pope will encourage Catholics to hold onto each other, but there will be Catholics who “split off” from Holy Mother Church and form their own “catholic” “churches.” We must guard against this and speak out in favor of unity.

I believe we will only see the TLM on special occasions. I believe it will eventually be treated more as an historical relic, worthy of preservation and respect, but not done in parishes more than a few times a year.

OTOH, I do believe that there will be MORE reverence for, adoration of, and LOVE for Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament as people turn to Him in the hard times that are coming. I believe we will see more attention paid to Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament and that Catholics will treat Mass seriously and actually attend and participate, I believe that Jesus Himself in the Blessed Sacrament will attract and draw into the Church the non-believers and believers in Christ who are not currently Catholic.

I believe that we’ll see more and more people surging OUT of the Protestant churches, including the evangelical/Pentecostal/fundamental/non-denominational churches, and many of these people will become Catholic. The rest will give up Christian faith entirely and embrace the simplicity of Islam, or become cynics.

Notice the term “simplicity.” Islam is attractive primarily because of its simplicity. It is “Catholic Lite,” and many who become disgusted with Catholic “diversity” and Protestant divisions will be deceived into following Mohammed.

From what I can see of Protestantism (remember, I was evangeglical Protestant for 47 years, and still have most of my friends, relatives and acquaintances in these churches), it will continue to divide and implode and eventually fall apart entirely, as there is no unifying “head” to keep Protestants together in the face of Islamic attack. There will be many in Protestant churches who truly love Jesus and are hungering and thirsting for righteousness, and they will be led to the Catholic Church by the Holy Spirit and by Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament. Those who were simply feeding their emotions in Protestant “worship services” will starve.

 

[SuscipeMeDomine]

I don’t know if the numbers are up or if I’m just more aware of it, but I see more interest in Oblates, Seculars, Third Orders, etc. I hope that in the next 20 years people will continue to bring the charisms of different orders into their lives and into the world. Being Catholic isn’t just what happens for an hour on Sunday, it’s also what happens the other 167 hours a week.

 

[muffinmojo]

We won’t see for example, people using slurs like “Novus Ordo” or worse, “NO” to describe the Pauline Mass. I also don’t see the Church shrinking – quite the opposite actually.

You do realize that the official name of the OF Mass, and the name of the missal when it was originally published, was the ‘Novus Ordo Missae’? It’s not an insult, though some people use it in a way that is insulting. It’s simply a word to describe it. It is new, and it is the order of the Mass. Big deal…

 

[Rickwood]

You do realize that the official name of the OF Mass, and the name of the missal when it was originally published, was the ‘Novus Ordo Missae’? It’s not an insult, though some people use it in a way that is insulting. It’s simply a word to describe it. It is new, and it is the order of the Mass. Big deal…

No, you are wrong.

And that’s what’s so sad – people have been led to believe that is its official name. It’s not. While the name WAS used early on by the Church in possibly 1-2 documents, it’s certainly not used today.

It’s official name is the Mass of Pope VI. Some shorten that to the Pauline Mass. It’s also now correctly referred to as the Ordinary Form of the Mass.

The ONLY place and I mean THE only place I see the slurs “Novus Ordo” and particularly “NO” Mass used is by those who have a bias against the Pauline Mass.

 

[I_Believe]

I suspect hardcore traditionalists will break away, and form into their own faction, as liberalism grows within the Church. Personally, I will probably side with liberalism, as long as it’s reasonable. While I respect Tridentine Traditionalism immensely, I believe it should be an option in Church worship, and not the norm. I support Vatican II completely. In fact, I’d like to see the Church become a bit more inclusive.

The hard hearted and bitter traditionalists have already broken away. They have given up on Rome, and can’t seem to shake their perpetual inquisition complete with pre determined findings. The are elitist, cultish, and are cafeteria catholics, just as the liberals are. As one said on another forum (Fish Eaters), one such group of traditionalists has obviously set up it’s own parallel magisterium alongside Rome’s.

There is no reasonable liberalism. Liberalism is cafeteria catholicism. What is there to be liberal about ? Doctrine, Dogma, and the teachings of HMC are what they are. There is no wiggle room.

Why can’t all of us see and listen to what is coming from Rome since BXVI has become the bishop of Rome ? The once schismatic Sons of the Most Holy Redeemer have returned and have been regularized. There is no fine print in their agreement. The quote in my signature was posted on their blog for all the world to see prior to their regularization. These holy priests and brothers have made no secret of the fact that they reject the errors of the mis-implication, and “spirt” of, VII. Yet BXVI embraced their regularization with great joy, and it has already paid off. Just recently they sent five men to the FSSP in Nebraska to become priests.

Before BXVI became pope, there was no open and diligent promotion of the Gregorian Rite, yet now there is. His Motu Proprio was an obvious acknowledgement that the Gregorian Rite had been suppressed, not abrogated. It was a courageous move on his part and was met with much oppositon prior to it’s release, and after it as well. The Summorum Pontificum was not a bone thrown to the SSPX to lure them back. His letter sent to all Bishops give specific instructions, asking that they let him know in three years, how the freeing of the Forma extraordinaria has impacted their diocese. It’s not a “there, if they want the EF fine, and if not, fine”. He isn’t going to let it “blow over”. There are wolves lurking. More on this, but first…

So we have the freeing of the Mass, and the extending of our Holy Father’s hand to those who have so long demanded it.

But there is more. Traditionalists have raised quite a fuss over Communion in the Hand through the years. Since BXVI’s election, Archbishop Ranjith has spoken out firmly, suggesting we reconsider Communion in the hand. The wolves responded by attempting to send him to Sri Lanka. They didn’t want to hear more from this man. Many of the flock, jaded by the liberties taken by the clergy in the “spirit” of VII, responed by saying that “H.E. Ranjith does not speak for the pope!” Well, Archbishop Ranjith is still in Rome, and BXVI now has the faithful kneeling before him to receive Holy Communion. Deo gratias.

And lest we forget, Cardinal Hoyos traveled to Westminister Cathedral to bring the Gregorial Rite back to the Altar for the first time in forty years. So much for unity, for not a single Bishop from the UK was to be seen there that day. No matter though, for Cardinal Hoyos expressed the intentions of BXVI to begin bringing the Gregorian Rite back to the parish Altars all across the UK. No fewer than 60 priests were listening, and are training to do just that !

Oh, and the wolves ? Here is a snipet from BXVI’s first homily as the Bishop of Rome…

…“My dear friends – at this moment I can only say: pray for me, that I may learn to love the Lord more and more. Pray for me, that I may learn to love his flock more and more – in other words, you, the holy Church, each one of you and all of you together. Pray for me, that I may not flee for fear of the wolves…”
vatican.va/holy_father/benedict_xvi/homilies/2005/documents/hf_ben-xvi_hom_20050424_inizio-pontificato_en.html

I could list a few more indications of what BXVI has in mind for us. For example, his call for Bishop Burke to come to Rome and accept a very important position. Bishop Burke is well respected by traditionalists, and his call to Rome is but another sign indicating the direction BXVI has in mind for HMC. And there is the replacement of the more liberal, inovative Marini, with a man of the same name, to assist our Holy Father in the planning of Papal celebrations and vestments. We see the trend toward more traditional leanings resulting from this change.

The signs are coming out of Rome, one after another.

Springtime is here friend, and liberalism is nearing it’s last hour. It has no place in Catholicism. It has failed, and has left nothing but rotting fruit.

 

[I_Believe]

Well… not quite Catholic yet… just have to be Confirmed…

But I’ll tell you from a Pentecostal background… just trust the Holy Spirit and let the Triune Godhead do what they do best… The outcome will be different but will always be better than we think.

All I can say is, I’m loving the Catholic Faith as each second passes by… so I would not be surprised if I end up being a catechist…

Welcome to Holy Mother Church You are entering the Church at a very exciting time, for we have a Pope who’s faith is, IMO, very strong.

Please read his first Homily as Pope here …
vatican.va/holy_father/benedict_xvi/homilies/2005/documents/hf_ben-xvi_hom_20050424_inizio-pontificato_en.html

I invite you to embrace him and trust him without reserve.

One other thing I’ll offer. Please, please, do not get caught up in the debates you will see on this, or any catholic forum. Many of us offer passionate and convincing arguments, all well intended, but far too often, we are in error. Myself included.

As laity, we are lowest on the ladder. We must follow our shepards, and not stand in judgement of them, save for when certain of them are in blatant error in regards to Doctrine.

Society changed so rapidly after the mid to late 40’s, falling into moral decay which continues to this day. The Hierarchy tried to meet this challenge to our Faith, but somehow we found ourselves in a serious crisis.

My point in bringing this to your attention, is that I feel it is so very important that all catholics embrace Pope Benedict XVI. There is so much confusion and division these days, that we have no choice really, than to place our complete trust in our Holy Father BXVI. Measure everything you hear from the pulpit, everything you hear at your RCIA class, and everything you read written by contemporary catholic authors, with the words and teachings of our Holy Father.

Our Father in Heaven has given us the Good News of the Gospel. We can never doubt this. But we must also know that the Promises of Our Saviour can’t be left to our own interpretation. We must trust in the successor of Peter to ensure our grasp of the revealed Truth.

God Bless you, and welcome home !

 

[CassiusLonginus]

The hard hearted and bitter traditionalists have already broken away. They have given up on Rome, and can’t seem to shake their perpetual inquisition complete with pre determined findings.

But these are tiny groups (who still need prayer). Better to offer up sacrifices for sedevacantists (and the orthodox) than to simply call them hard hearted and bitter. Most of the traditionalists are not as you describe; rather, they are fervent and warm-hearted, and although there is disappointment at certain things from “Rome”, it must be understood from a Catholic perspective. Some practices are simply not as good as others even if they are allowed (e.g. communion in the hand etc).

The are elitist, cultish, and are cafeteria catholics, just as the liberals are. As one said on another forum (Fish Eaters), one such group of traditionalists has obviously set up it’s own parallel magisterium alongside Rome’s.

If you’re talking about the SSPX, it’s not so ‘obvious’ to Hoyos (or anybody else who understands that the Society is an internal church matter). Also, care to continue telling them what they are? Any more adjectives to hurl? You should remember that they are souls, not just a group of dissenting, unlikable grouches. It’d be just as easy to label “all” the OF Catholics in such a manner with just a few mean-spirited words and then to dismiss them wholesale.

Another thing, doesn’t the word ‘cultish’ imply a secret society? Their society (sounds like you’re talking specifically about the SSPX) has no ‘secret’. They just practice the Faith as it always has been…And as for the charge of setting up their own magisterium, ridiculous! As I mentioned, unfortunately for you and those who believe as you seem to, the pope, bishops and cardinals involved do not share your…zeal. They’re not so quick to believe lies.

So we have the freeing of the Mass, and the extending of our Holy Father’s hand to those who have so long demanded it.

You should say the “So-called freeing”. It wasn’t the ‘freeing’ of the Mass that was demanded, since it was always ‘free’, it was simply truth and justice that was demanded. Benedict finally resolved the misconception that was allowed to spread (the error that the TLM had supposedly been abrogated), and in justice he had to ‘free’ it. No sense in purposefully marginalizing staunch Catholics in this day and age when they are so few and far between to begin with!

Springtime is here friend, and liberalism is nearing it’s last hour. It has no place in Catholicism. It has failed, and has left nothing but rotting fruit.

Springtime? Maybe for quality of worship, but probably not for quantity. I fear that with liberalism’s (hopefully to-be) departure it will also take with it our freedom as Catholics. I don’t see nearly as many converts as I see people leaving the church. These days most of the people I meet were Catholic once and aren’t anymore. We’re supposed to be around a quarter of the US population, and yet there isn’t even a ‘Catholic voice’, but the liberals and former catholics sure have one, and a megaphone besides. I think things will continue as they have…liberalism on the rise and true religious conservatives waaay on the decline. Former taboos becoming the norms. Loss of innocence in society as a whole, but especially starting younger and younger with the children. Special treatment for certain groups (this is already happening with the gays)…etc. A few people will realize what they’ve lost when Catholicism is nearly gone. Then we’ll see saints, but not as many as you’d think.

Even today, ‘christians’ that I know are mostly on birth control, have pre-marrital sex, live with their boyfriends, demand equality for the gays, want to vote for Barack, think abortion is ok etc…At this rate, in 20 years, I shudder to think of what ‘christianity’ will look like on the surface to outsiders.

 

[I_Believe]

Hi CL Could you imagine what would happen if I posted that on AQ ? I’m not trying to be funny either.

First of all, I said “hard hearted and bitter”, to make it clear which group I’m talking about. By group, I mean those of like mindset.
I wasn’t painting with a broad brush. For example, I would include in this group anyone who went ape when Fr. Michael Mary and company regularized. Look at the comments on AQ. Didn’t suprise me, but what is up with some of them, in this group of the hardhearted and bitter, going to the F.SS.R.'s blog and posting their venom ? What ? Fr. Michael didn’t get* permission* from H.E. Fellay to regularize ? Expressing concern is one thing, but some of the comments were way out of line. Charity isn’t a worthy Virtue in this groups mindset ? Emotions first, Prudence second ?

And what’s up with the removal of The Catholic from the Chapels ?
All of the sudden Fr. Michael Mary is a man of questionable Faith ? After all of the praise and support, he’s a sellout now ?

He is so far above this childish mindset. Last time I looked, he hadn’t removed the SSPX link on the blog.

And how about the “perfect liberal” and “what a mystery” thing ? Sound like someone wants to be a sede, but is just shy of having the courage to proclaim himself one. Sorry Y. E. but, see 'ya.

Look, I defended the SSPX here passionately for a long while after the ban on SSPX discussion was lifted. And right before the events I’ve mentioned above, I was very close to formally joining my local Chapel. I never heard any bitterness from the pulpit there. And I didn’t sense anyone I met there was in the group I described. But then came the "perfect liberal " thing. Directed at the man who has relieved me of my own brush with bitterness and hard heartedness.

I share most every concern of the SSPX and others of like mind, but the fight has been fought, Deo gratias, and now I see a pope who also sees what all the fuss is about. It’s obvious he knows there is a problem, but no matter what he does, it isn’t enough for the “office of perpetual inquisition”.

The fact is, there are those in the movement who have given up on Rome. They don’t like to hear it, and they sure as heck aint gonna admit it, but it’s the truth.

Is there truly a “remnant” ? Darn straight there is, and you may very well be right in that the remnant will shrink. But, the true remnant doesn’t count in it’s ranks those who display bitterness, and suspicion of a man like BXVI. To lay all this mess on his shoulders and expect him to miraculously restore the “glory days” doesn’t fly. That mindset requires things that are not traditionallly catholic. It requires throwing certain Virtues, and words like “fiat” out the window.

Again, I’m not dipping a broad brush in the bucket. I don’t read the hearts of all the clergy and their flock in the tradi movement.

But I know the difference between sorrow and prayers of reparation, and the contrary emotions of hard heartedness and bitterness.

Please forgive me. I suppose if I truly understood the Virtue of Prudence of which I so boldly charge H.E.Fellay to lack, I’d have kept my mouth shut. Mea culpa.

What saddens me, is that those who have been so right all along, and have fought the fight so well, won’t lay down their swords and take our Holy Father’s hand he has offered, and be a part of the healing that will take time. Why can’t they see the Faith in this man ?

If they want to keep fighting, then why in Heaven’s name won’t they fight the wolves alongside BXVI, instead of staying a safe distance from them ?

I’d better stop now.