The Traditionalist Movement, Episode 2: "Disobedient People," 1964-1974 (Pt. 2)
Aug 9, 2021
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The podcast explores the traditionalist movement's efforts to preserve the old Roman liturgy after the new Roman missal was introduced in 1970. It discusses the emergence of traditionalist movements in Europe and America, the critics of the post-consilior church, and the organizational support for the traditionalist movement. The podcast also delves into the critiques of the Catholic Church and Anglican reforms, the power dynamics between bishops and traditionalists, and a debate on the authority of the pope.
The traditionalist movement in the Catholic Church emerged as a response to the changes in liturgy and the Second Vatican Council, with lay writers and activists criticizing the new Roman missal and post-conciliar reforms.
Traditionalist groups fought for exemptions and preservation of the old Mass, facing opposition from Rome and tensions regarding the authority of the Pope and Episcopal conferences to decide liturgical matters.
Deep dives
Response to the new Roman Missile
Traditionalist groups faced chaos and liturgical changes with the promulgation of the new Roman Missile in 1970. This event led to the formation of a distinct traditionalist movement within the Catholic Church. The traditionalist sphere emerged, including newspapers and journals, such as Christian Order and Itin Haya, which criticized the new liturgy and the changes following the Second Vatican Council. Triumph and The Remnant were American organs of traditionalism that published critical articles about the liturgy. Other organizations, like Tradition, Family, and Property in Brazil and the Roman Forum, also supported traditional Catholic doctrine and culture. Additionally, non-Catholic figures, including authors like W.H. Auden and Jacques Maritain, criticized post-conciliar reforms.
Challenges to the Old Mass
As the implementation of the new Mass approached, traditionalist groups sought exemptions and fought against the suppression of the old Mass. In the UK, the Latin Mass Society organized the Agatha Christie Indul, gathering signatures on a petition that appealed for the preservation of the traditional Latin Mass. The petition, signed by various notable figures, including Anglicans and non-Christians, was presented to Pope Paul VI. It obtained limited exemptions for small groups. However, the authority of the Pope and Episcopal conferences to decide liturgical matters came into question, fueling tensions between traditionalists and Rome.
Rocky Relationship with Rome
By 1974, traditionalist groups faced challenges and growing animosity from Rome. Meetings with Catholic Church officials, such as Monsignor Benelli, revealed a staunch opposition to any exceptions for the old Mass. Prevalent clericalism discouraged dialogue and dismissed criticisms, viewing traditionalist requests as disobedience against the papal authority. This rigid stance reinforced their determination to restore the old right and intensified the tensions between traditionalists and Rome.
The Role of Clergy in Traditionalist Movement
While the traditionalist movement relied on the support of the laity, clergy also played a critical role in preserving the old Mass. A small number of priests and bishops, including Marcel Lefebvre and the Society of St. Pius X, as well as other clergy, risked charges of disobedience to continue offering the traditional Latin Mass. Their commitment to the old Mass sustained the movement and allowed it to survive in the challenging years following the Second Vatican Council.
In the second part of episode 2, we detail the efforts of lay writers and activists to stave off attempts to end the celebration of the old Roman liturgy after the promulgation of the new Roman missal in 1970.
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