All,
In case you wondered, the RCAB has been warned repeatedly about this problem and has chosen to ignore the existence and potential growth of such groups by members of the Indult community. This has been particularly dismissed out of hand by the Cardinal and Bishops Lennon and Boles in particular over the last three years. Meanwhile the legitimate need for Parish life that includes formation and traditional spirituality outside of Holy Mass continues to go ignored. Sadly, many souls choose the path of least resistance rather than one of informed discernment. What formation???
While I'll concur the ultimate responsibility lies in individual free will, I attribute much of the responsibilty for loss of Faith with the continued silence and/or inaction of our clerical culture.
As a member of the Indult community since 1994, we were directed for many years “not to advertise” by Msgr. Fred Murphy (former Administrator and Rector of Holy Cross Cathedral) and Bishop Boles (Boston Auxilary). How does this fly in the face of the New Evangelization? Do we share the same responsibility and dignity as other Catholics? You bet! Yet this is but one example that needs to see the light of day before the RCAB can complain about Sacred Heart? Does the RCAB complain about the missionary activity of the CMRI in East Boston and the North End, among unwitting Catholics starved for the Faith of their forebears? What of the steady defections in the Indult community by those simply worn down?
The day Cardinal O’Malley starts showing some genuine pastoral concern for a faithful portion of his flock, I may be swayed in my view point. I honestly think schismatic groups will continue to flourish until he makes a concerted outreach. Inviting the FSSP or ICK to foster parish life could go a long way forming and reforming many souls lost in sad confusion and spiritual abuse.
The reality of the RCAB solution at HTC revolves around a dwindling rotation of aging priests in ill health and a steadfastly refusal to allow several young priests who have expressed interest in assisting, despite personal initiative to learn the Classical Roman Rite. Involvement most assuredly spells political risk and retaliation from the chancery. I'm convinced the current RCAB trajectory is that of institutionalized decline. Scary.
This brings me to wonder and reflect…
John 10:11-18
Salvation of Souls: Not a Numbers Game
Luke 15:4-10
As another parishioner of Holy Trinity, I will also give witness to the content of this post.