The Traditionalist Movement, Episode 5: Back to the Future, 1988-Present
Sep 3, 2021
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The podcast explores the growth of traditionalist orders in communion with Rome, the influence of Pope Benedict XVI on traditionalism, and the impact of Francis' motu proprio Traditionis Custodes on traditionalists and the Church. It also delves into the split in the Society of St. Pius X, the formation of Fraternal Society of St. Peter, opposition faced by traditionalist organizations, interpretation of the Second Vatican Council, controversial actions against traditionalist orders, and the importance of maintaining access to the traditional mass.
The growth of traditionalist orders in communion with Rome reflects a growing demand for old liturgical practices.
Critiques of the new liturgy from historical and anthropological perspectives contributed to the ongoing discussion about the need for a reform of the reform.
Under the papacy of Pope Francis, there has been a crackdown on traditionalist orders and groups, causing concerns about the future of the old liturgy and traditional practices within the Catholic Church.
Deep dives
The Formation of New Traditionalist Groups
During the podcast episode, it is discussed how in the 1990s, new traditionalist groups and organizations began to form. One example is the Institute of Christ the King's Sovereign Priest, which was formed in 1990 and has experienced steady growth since then. Another example is the Fraternal Society of St. Peter, formed in 1994. These groups offered an alternative for those seeking to practice their faith in a more traditional manner, and their growth reflected a growing demand for the old liturgical practices.
Efforts to Critique and Reform the New Liturgy
The podcast episode explores how in the 1990s, it became more acceptable to criticize the liturgical reforms that took place in the 1960s. Scholars and theologians, including some who were not traditionalists, began to publish works that critiqued the new liturgy from both historical and anthropological perspectives. These works analyzed various aspects of the new liturgy, such as the placement of the altar and the instability of the rituals. These critiques contributed to the ongoing discussion about the need for a reform of the reform, advocating for a closer examination of the old liturgy and exploring ways to improve the new liturgy.
Crackdown on Traditionalism under Pope Francis
The podcast episode highlights a shift in attitude towards traditionalism under the papacy of Pope Francis. It is discussed how there has been a crackdown on traditionalist orders and groups in Europe since the beginning of Francis' pontificate. Examples are provided, such as the dissolution of the Franciscan Friars of the Immaculate, the closures of traditionalist abbeys, and the suppression of priestly societies. This shift in attitude is seen as a departure from the efforts made by previous popes, like Pope Benedict XVI, to reconcile with traditionalist groups. The episode emphasizes that these actions have led to concerns among traditionalists about the future of the old liturgy and traditional practices within the Catholic Church.
The Emergence of Traditionalist Movement and Social Media Grifters
The podcast episode discusses the emergence of the traditionalist movement and the rise of social media grifters in the early 2000s. This movement began with prominent Catholic bloggers like Father John Zuhlsdorf and later included figures like Michael Voris and Taylor Marshall. While some of these websites and personalities may have a more aggressive tone, they are serious about their faith and liturgy. It is important to note, however, that these individuals should not be equated with more established traditionalist organizations like Uno Voche. The episode emphasizes the need to be cautious of those who make a living by saying outrageous things and highlights the existence of genuine traditionalist institutions.
Benedict XVI and the Hermeneutic of Reform and Continuity
The second part of the podcast focuses on the reign of Pope Benedict XVI and his efforts to promote the hermeneutic of reform and continuity. Benedict XVI emphasized the importance of maintaining both the continuity and identity of the Church, particularly in relation to the liturgy. He expressed concern that some saw the Second Vatican Council as a rupture with the past, leading to a split between the pre and post-conciliar Church. In an effort to reconcile the traditionalist movement, Benedict XVI issued the Moto Proprio Summorum Pontificum in 2007, which stated that the Old Mass had never been legally abrogated and remained valid. The Moto Proprio allowed priests to say the Mass without the permission of bishops and aimed to heal the divisions within the Church.
In this final episode in our series on the Traditionalist movement, we detail the growth of the traditionalist orders in communion with Rome, the growth of traditionalism during the reign of Pope Benedict XVI, and finally, end with a brief examination of Francis' motu proprio Traditionis Custodes, and what it means for the traditionalists and the Church as a whole.
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