Who and what is "Traditional Catholicism"?

[Listener]

It is interesting that someone said that “Traditional Catholics also generally hold to a spirituality and practice which was more common before the Second Vatican Council; no meat on Fridays, fast from midnight before Communion, etc.”

If this is true, then they should hold to all of the ways of the old Church, not just keep the rules that suit them. I believe that in the old days we were required to belong to the parish where our home was actually located within its geographical boundaries. This was usually the parish closest to your house.

I grew up in the 1950’s, so I was personally present during what went on back there. I think people were more narrow minded than they are now. Also, back then, going to Mass was a little like going to a gas station to get filled up (I actually heard a priest put it that way once). You didn’t have to know or speak to your neighbors at Mass, especially if you lived in a big city. There was no such thing as coffee and donuts after Mass. I like it much better the way it is now.

So anyway, if these “traditional Catholics” were really doing things the way they were done years ago, they would be attending Mass at the parish closest to their house.

They would let the hierarchy determine what style of Mass is appropriate (which they have always done). These people need to remember that the Church is not a democracy.

 

[Dauphin]

I grew up in the 1950’s, so I was personally present during what went on back there. I think people were more narrow minded than they are now. Also, back then, going to Mass was a little like going to a gas station to get filled up (I actually heard a priest put it that way once). You didn’t have to know or speak to your neighbors at Mass, especially if you lived in a big city. There was no such thing as coffee and donuts after Mass. I like it much better the way it is now.

Because some Americans in the 50’s were confused about the purpose of the Mass and shunned their communities after Mass, that’s no reason to jettison the holiest thing this side of heaven. The Traditional Latin Mass is not a product of the 50’s; it is a product of the ages molded by the Holy Spirit - a liturgy that ties us to the Traditions and ancient practice of the church. It was nothing short of criminal to suppress it.

 

[Dauphin]

If this is true, then they should hold to all of the ways of the old Church, not just keep the rules that suit them.

A bit of a poor premise. Where do you get this idea? The rule you mention isn’t exactly integral to tradition.

Anyway, it doesn’t “suit” me to refrain from eating meat on Fridays; I love meat!