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I think it is significant that the mass exodus from the clergy happened right in the wake of Vatican II. The clergy seemed demoralized, and many were seized by an overwhelming desire to be "relevant." The Council sent the message that the Church must catch up with the world, not that the world had anything to learn from the Church.

The de-sacralization of the Mass also played a big role, and at times it became completely embarrassing. I remember at one Mass some nuns were passing around "warm fuzzies."