Pushing the TLM out of parishes and into gyms is symbolic of what those in charge in the Church wish to do with the Catholic Faith and its adherents—push it out to the margins.
Ever since the publication of Traditionis Custodes (affectionately called “Traschcan Custodians” by its fans), orthodox Catholics—and not just of the Latin Mass-going variety—have been aware of a certain chill in the room. While not precisely of the life-threatening nature of the betrayal of the Underground Church in China, it is far from pleasant for those forced to function under it.
The latest development in the ongoing saga is the result of the Archbishop of Los Angeles, Jose Gomez, and the Bishop of Orange, Kevin Vann, being taken in for questioning by the Apostolic Nuncio to the United States, Christophe Pierre, as to their alleged non-compliance with TC. The result of that particular trip to Berchtesgaden was that, in Orange County, the venerable Tridentine Mass at St. Mary’s by the Sea, which quite literally saved the parish’s life when it was brought in, is to be suppressed. In Los Angeles, the torture is a bit more exquisite. There, wherever parishes have integrated the TLM into their regular lives, said Masses are to be moved to the gyms.
While the sheer pettiness and nastiness of this move may be the first thing to catch the eye of the casual observer, do bear in mind that there are deeper things at work. The move is symbolic of what those in charge in the Church wish to do with the Catholic Faith and its adherents—push it out to the margins. Doubtless it is hoped by the Holy See that this sort of mistreatment will push such folk into the arms of the SSPX, so that they may enjoy the Church machinery’s managed decline in peace.
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