"It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, . . . ". Thus Charles Dickens penned those words in "A Tale of Two Cities" a century before Pope John XXIII announced there would be a Second Vatican Council. How prophetic they would become as a result.
In the years after the closing of the Second Vatican Council, legions of Priests around the world misinterpreted not only the documents, but the dictates of the Council without any spiritual guidance from their Bishops. Usually, in rural areas, they were left to your own devices. In a liberal sense it became a Catholic Reign of Terror on Catholic Tradition which continues today. The Church in trying to adapt itself to the modern world became seduced by it. Gone were the communion rails and pew kneelers. Confessionals became storage closets. Communion in the hand was likened to other mundane tasks. Sacred music was discarded in favor of contemporary songs sung by would-be divas who demanded an applause during the Mass. Altar boys were no longer trained as they were not needed and the Priest faced the laity during Mass with their back to the Lord on the Cross. An indignation to the Lord.
If all this seems familiar then you along with millions of other Catholics have become prey to your neighbors who most likely are cultural or neo-Catholics and will remain so with the help of Parish Councils who impose their will on their congregation and priest. The oversight of the local bishop is disheartening and not unexpected as many cathedrals and basilicas have institutionalized many of the above abuses. That is not to say there are not churches that reject all this absurdity, but they must be sought out as if you were the 14th apostle seeking Jesus. They do exist.
The problem with mainstream Catholicism is that churches are treated as businesses and priests as money managers. One Archbishop I know (now deposed) would appoint priestly assignments according to the priest's money raising skills and not his pastoral propensity. Churches are only open when the collection basket is in need of refilling. Popular devotions to Mary and the Saints are discouraged as this would require the church to remain open beyond normal business hours with no chance for monetary gain. I have seen far too many priests who consider their station in the clergy not as a vocation, but as an occupational career. Where is the charity of the Lord as exemplified by Saint John Vianney? What is one to do?
True Catholics must adhere to Sacred Tradition and the Magisterium. Ecclesiastical opinion or comments, on the other hand, are not dogma and remain the subjectivity of one's conscious. If we must suffer the indignation of the clergy by embracing traditionalism hold fast to what St. Paul says in Philippians 1:29 "For to you it has been granted for Christ's sake, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake". And take comfort in the words of Saint Pius X - "The true friends of the people are neither revolutionaries, nor innovators, but traditionalists." Seek to the best of your ability and practice what has been handed down to you before the "Reign of Terror". Those that persecute us must be forgiven, but our tribulations are fruitful when offered up to Jesus.
