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The Freshmen Seminarians of Fall 2022 in France: They’re Choosing the Traditional Mass

by William A. Torchia, Esq.

The Freshmen Seminarians of Fall 2022: The Seminarians are Choosing the Traditional Mass

Jean-Pierre Maugendre
Rennaissance catholique
September 15, 2022

 

For the past year three Roman documents have led to converging and complementary attacks on the freedom to celebrate the traditional Roman Mass. These included, on July 16, 2021, Pope Francis’ motu proprio Traditionis custodes; the August 4 response of Archbishop Roche, Prefect of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments, to questions posed by Cardinal Nichols, Archbishop of Westminster; and, finally, on June 29, 2022, the apostolic letter Desidero desideravi on the liturgical formation of the people of God.

 A developing traditional world 

In France, these documents have had an important media impact but a modest influence on the number of traditional Masses celebrated with the approval of the bishop. The Ad majorem dei gloriam website notes, however, the suppression of 14 places of worship out of an initial total of 241, a decrease of 6%.

While this is not a large number, it is the first time that a decrease in the number of traditional Masses celebrated under Summorum Pontificum has been observed. What is the impact of these documents on the number of priests entering seminaries, and thus, in the long run, on the evolution of the number of priests in France and their liturgical practices? Let us first note that, in 2022, according to the website of the French Bishops’ Conference, 77 French secular priests were ordained, i.e., destined to be diocesan priests, to which must be added 12 other French priests: 3 for the Institute of Christ the King Sovereign Priest (ICRSP), 3 for the Fraternity of St. Peter (FSSP), and 6 for the Fraternity of St. Pius X (FSSPX). These 12 French priests ordained for the traditional Mass thus represent 14% of the total number of ordinations of French secular priests. Without taking into account the 4 ordinations planned for the diocese of Toulon and postponed sine die, it should be noted that these ordinations are essentially concentrated in a few dioceses and communities: Saint Martin community: 14, Paris: 10, Vannes: 5, Versailles: 3. These figures are to be compared with a median age of priests of 75 years and an yearly death toll of between 600 and 800.

 Reality versus ideology 

In this month of September 2022, what has been the impact of the Roman decisions on entries into the seminaries? The numbers speak for themselves. The communities where the traditional Mass is celebrated (ICRSP, FSSP, FSSPX, IBP – Institute of the Good Shepherd- and MMD – Missionaries of Divine Mercy) have benefited from 95 entries compared to 69 in 2021, including 38 Frenchmen. This progression is general and important for all the communities. A double movement, which could be described politically as rightward-leaning, seems to be taking place, starting from the fact that many seminarians, even diocesan ones, have in fact been more or less familiar with the traditional Mass in their families or during their personal itinerary for years (cf. the testimony of Dom Geoffroy Kemlin, the new abbot of Solesmes in La Nef No. 350).

With the motu proprio Traditionis custodes, Pope Francis has made it almost impossible for a new diocesan priest to celebrate the traditional liturgy. It is necessary to ask permission from Rome, which is always refused! Faced with this situation, a certain number of young people aspiring to the priesthood, who hoped to be able to live a form of spirituality in the dioceses, seem to have chosen the former Ecclesia Dei communities to prepare themselves for the priesthood. On the other hand, it is certain that the former Ecclesia Dei communities are under the threat of canonical visitations whose purpose would be to impose on them the “benefits” of the liturgical reform and “all that goes with it”. Joining the SSPX seminaries is a radical way to protect oneself from such threats. Finally, vocations being a mystery, perhaps this is simply the divine response to the pontifical will to cut the Roman Church off from its liturgical tradition.

In view of this encouraging situation in communities attached to the traditional Mass, the situation of the Church that Cardinal Benelli described as “conciliar” appears pathetic. In 2019 the seminaries of Bordeaux and Lille closed for lack of personnel. The French Bishops’ Conference has not yet officially made public the number of students entering the first year program in 2022, but the figures will certainly not be good, with one bishop declaring modestly a few days ago: “The number of students entering the seminary is stagnating. Only the most traditional communities are doing well, even if they have adopted the conciliar reforms. Let us mention the Saint Martin community with 24 ordinations in 2021 and 14 in 2022, 24 entries in propaedeutics in 2022 and 19 in 2021. The Thomist and conservative Dominicans of Toulouse, who are religious, have 11 entrants in 2022, while there is only one, in first year, at the seminary of the rose city [Toulouse] where Abp. de Kérimel made himself conspicuous by castigating the seminarians who wore cassocks. As for the diocese of Toulon, renowned for the number of its ordinations, the only candidate in first year is sent to Aix and this year the seminary of La Castille is closed. Moreover, it is not enough to enter, one must persevere. Of the 6 students entering the first year program at the Paris seminary in 2021, only 2 will go on to the first year of philosophy, the others having taken another path, tired of having “communion” imposed on them.

 Asking the right questions 

Faced with this situation, very few bishops seem to be asking themselves the question, “Perhaps we have been on the wrong track for a long time” and its corollary, “Why don’t we try these traditional methods that seem to have proven themselves and that always prove effective?” On the contrary, the solution, for many, would be the advent of a Church without priests, with married deacons more or less acting as such, waiting the ordination of married men, or even women. A few months ago, a bishop recently appointed to head a diocese in the south of France announced to his presbyterate: “There are still 50% too many priests in this diocese.” But would a Church without priests still be the Catholic Church?

September 16, 2022   No Comments

Solemn High Traditional Latin Mass for the Feast of the Assumption

by William A. Torchia, Esq.

All Catholics who are able to attend should do so. Traditional-minded Catholics are the Church: our right of Catholic citizenship can never be taken away, much less by unjust rules and regulations.

 

August 14, 2021   No Comments

INSTRUCTION ON THE SIXTH SUNDAY AFTER EASTER

by William A. Torchia, Esq.

Rev. Fr. Leonard Goffine’s
The Church’s YearThis Sunday and the whole week should serve as a preparation for the festival of Pentecost, that we may be enabled by good works and pious devotional exercises, to receive the gifts of the Holy Ghost. At the Introit the Church sings:

INTROIT

Hear, O Lord, my voice, with which I have cried to thee, allel. My heart bath said to thee: I have sought thy face, thy face, O Lord, I will seek: turn not away thy face from me, allel. allel. The Lord is my light and my salvation: whom shall I fear? (Ps. XXVI. 7-9.) Glory be to the Father, etc.

COLLECT  Almighty, everlasting God, grant us ever to have a will devoted to Thee, and to serve Thy majesty with a sincere heart. Through .etc.

EPISTLE (1 Peter IV. 7-11.) Dearly beloved, be prudent, and watch in prayers. But before all things, have a constant mutual charity among yourselves; for charity covereth a multitude of sins. Using hospitality one towards another without murmuring: as every man hath received grace, ministering the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. If any man speak, let him speak as the words of God: if any man minister, let him do it as of the power which God administereth; that in all things God may be honored through Jesus Christ, our Lord.

EXPLANATION The practice of the virtues which St. Peter here prescribes for the faithful, is an excellent preparation for the reception of the Holy Ghost, for nothing renders us more worthy of His visit than true love for our neighbor, the good use of God’s gifts; and the faithful discharge of the duties of our state of life. Strive, therefore, to practise these virtues and thus make yourself less unworthy of the gifts of the Holy Ghost. Say daily during the week the following prayer: Come, Holy Spirit, who bast assembled the people of all tongues in unity of faith, fill the hearts of Thy faithful, and kindle in them the fire of Thy divine love.

GOSPEL (John XV. 26-27., to XVI. 1-4.) At that time, Jesus said to his disciples: When the Paraclete cometh, whom I will send you from the Father, the Spirit of truth, who proceedeth from the Father, he shall give testimony of me: and you shall give testimony, because you are with me from the beginning. These things have I spoken to you, that you may not be scandalized. They put you out of the synagogues: yea, the hour cometh, that whomsoever killeth you will think that he doth a service to God. And these things will they do to you, because they have not known the Father, nor me. But these things I have told you, that, when the hour shall come, you may remember that I told you.

Why is the Holy Ghost called the Paraclete?

Through the apostles and disciples whom He made so eloquent and so courageous that they intrepidly professed and preached Christ to be the Son of God, and the true Messiah. This doctrine He confirmed by astounding miracles, and sealed it by their blood which they shed in its defence The Holy Ghost still gives testimony of Christ through the Church, that is, the clergy, through whom He speaks, and who must, therefore, be listened to reverently. We must also give testimony of Christ and profess by our lives, by patience in crosses and afflictions that He is our Teacher, our Lord, and our God; for if we do not thus acknowledge’ Him in this world He will deny us before His Father in heaven. (Matt X. 33.)

Did the Jews sin in persecuting and putting to death the apostles?

Undoubtedly; for although they erroneously believed they were doing God a service, their ignorance and error were very sinful and deserving of punishment, because they could easily have known and been instructed in the truth.

Those Christians who neglect all religious instruction hardly know what is necessary for salvation, and make light of many things which are grievous sins; as also those who are in doubt whether they justly or unjustly possess certain goods, and yet through fear of being compelled to make restitution, neglect to settle the doubts such are in culpable ignorance.

What must every Christian know and believe in order to be saved?

That there is but one God, who has created and governs all things; that God is a just judge, who rewards the good and punishes the wicked; that there are in the Deity three persons, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost; that the Son of God became man for love of us, taught us, and by His death on the cross redeemed us; that the Holy Ghost sanctifies us by His grace, without which we cannot become virtuous or be saved; that man’s soul is immortal.

PETITION Send us, O Lord Jesus ! the Paraclete, that He may console and strengthen us in all our afflictions. Enlighten us by Thy Holy Spirit that we may learn and live in accordance with the truths of faith. Amen.

 

INSTRUCTION ON SCANDAL

These things have I spoken to you, that you may not be scandalized. (John XVI. 1.)

How is scandal given?

By speaking, doing or omittihg that which will be, to others an occasion, of sin: Scandal is given in different ways, for instance: if you dress improperly, speak improper words, or sing bad songs; by which you can see, that your neighbor will be tempted to think, desire or act wrongly; or what is worse, if you act sinfully, in the presence of, others, or bring bad books., books against good morals, or against the holy faith, among people; if you incite others to anger, cursing, and vengeance, or if you prevent them from attending church, the sermon, or catechetical instruction, etc. In all these things you become guilty of scandal, as well as of all the sins to which it gives rise.

If at the Last judgment we will be unable to, give an account of our own sins, how, then can we answer for the innumerable sins caused by, he scandal we have given? Therefore Christ pronounces a terrible, woe upon those who give scandal. Woe to that man, He says, by whom the scandal cometh! It were better for him, that a millstone should be hanged about his neck, and that he should be drowned in the depth of the sea. (Matt. XVIII.)

How do parents give scandal?

By giving their children bad example; by excessive anger, cursing and swearing; by avarice, injustice and cheating; by discord and quarrels; by gluttony in eating and drinking; by extravagance and vanity in dress; by sneering at religion, good morals, etc.; by not keeping their children from evil company, but sometimes even bringing them into it; by not punishing and endeavoring to eradicate their children’s vices. How much parents sin, through such scandals, cannot be expressed; at the Day of judgment their children will be their accusers!

How do masters give scandal to their servants and those under their care?

In the same way as parents do to their children; by keeping them away from, or not urging them by their own example or command to attend church on Sundays and holy-days; by giving them meat on fast-days; by commanding them to do sinful things, such as stealing, injuring others, etc.

 

INSTRUCTION ON PREPARATION FOR PENTECOST

1). We should withdraw, after the example ef the Blessed Virgin and the apostles, to some solitary place, or at least avoid, intercourse with others, as much as possible; speak but little, and apply ourselves to earnest and persevering prayer; for in solitude God speaks to man.

2). We should purify our conscience by a contrite confession, become reconciled to our neighbor, it we have lived in enmity; for the Holy Ghost, as a spirit of peace and purity, lives only in pure and peaceful souls. (Ps. IXXV. 3.)

3). We should give alms according to our means, for it is said in the Acts of the Apostles (Acts X.) of the Gentile centurion Cornelius, that by prayer and alms-deeds he made himself worthy of the gifts of the Holy Ghost.

4). We should fervently desire to receive the Holy Ghost, and should give expression to this longing by frequent aspirations to God, making use of the prayer: “Come, O Holy Ghost, etc.”

May 12, 2021   No Comments

FIRST FRIDAY AND FRIST SATURDAY TLM’S FOR JANUARY 2021, et seq.

by William A. Torchia, Esq.

Dear Friends,

 
With our First Friday and First Saturday Traditional Latin Masses in December of 2020, our work of organizing these monthly masses has come to an end.  The Traditional Latin Mass will no longer be offered at the Church of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Jenkintown.  This will be our last email to you.
 
Going forward, should you wish to attend the Traditional Latin Mass for 1st Friday or 1st Saturday, there are several options in the Philadelphia area, including Mater Ecclesiae, 261 Cross Keys Rd., Berlin, NJ, (http://MaterEcclesiae.org), St. Mary’s in Conshohocken  (https://www.stmarylatinmass.com) and the Carmel of Jesus, ,Mary, Joseph & Anne at 1400 66th Avenue in Philadelphia (https://philadelphiacarmelites.org).  Please see the individual websites for their schedules.  A comprehensive listing of Traditional Latin Masses in the area can be found at Latin Mass Philadelphia (https://sites.google.com/site/latinmassphila/regional-mass-schedule).
 
We gratefully thank all of the priests who have said Masses for us throughout the years, and most particularly Fr. Harold B. McKale who has been our faithful patron, as well as those who have given of their time to serve.  We also thank the parishes who have hosted this apostolate, thanks to the LLA, Philadelphia Chapter, for always posting our Masses.
 
We wish you a Blessed a Blessed and Happy New Year.
Pax tecum,
Mark, Chuck and Pamela

January 1, 2021   No Comments

FIRST FRIDAY AND FIRST SATURDAY TLM’S FOR DECEMBER, 2020

by William A. Torchia, Esq.

December 4, 2020   No Comments

First Friday and First Saturday TLM’s for November, 2020

by William A. Torchia, Esq.

The Traditional Latin Mass will be offered on
Friday, November 6th and Saturday, November 7th
 
at:
Church of the Immaculate Conception 
of the Blessed Virgin Mary
602 West Avenue
Jenkintown, PA 19046
(215) 887-1501
 Mass will be offered upstairs both Friday and Saturday
Friday, November 6th
Priest: Rev. Harold B. Mc Kale (Chaplain to St John Neumann Nursing Home)
Location:  Church of the Immaculate Conception, Main Church
Time: 7:00 p.m., preceded by Confessions at 6:30 p.m.
This Traditional Latin Mass will be the Requiem Mass, Number 1, offered in Reparation to The Sacred Heart of Jesus.  (Black Vestments)  
Saturday, November 7th
Priest: Rev. Harold B. Mc Kale (Chaplain to St John Neumann Nursing Home)
Location:   Church of the Immaculate Conception, Main Church
Time: 9:00 a.m., preceded by Confessions at 8:30 a.m.
This Traditional Latin Mass will be the Requiem Mass, Number 1, offered in Reparation to The Immaculate Heart of Mary.  (Black Vestments)

November 5, 2020   No Comments

First Friday and First Saturday TLM’s for October, 2020

by William A. Torchia, Esq.

The Traditional Latin Mass will be offered on
Friday, October 2nd and Saturday, October 3rd
 
at:
Church of the Immaculate Conception 
of the Blessed Virgin Mary
602 West Avenue
Jenkintown, PA 19046
(215) 887-1501
 Mass will be offered downstairs in St. Mary’s Chapel.
First Friday, October 2nd:
Priest: Rev. Harold B. Mc Kale (Chaplain to St John Neumann Nursing Home)
Location:  Church of the Immaculate Conception, St. Mary’s Chapel

Time: 7:00 p.m., preceded by Confessions upstairs at 6:30 p.m.

This Traditional Latin Mass will be the Votive Mass of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus with a Commemoration of the Holy Guardian Angels, offered in Reparation to The Sacred Heart of Jesus.

First Saturday, October 3rd:
Priest: Rev. Harold B. Mc Kale (Chaplain to St John Neumann Nursing Home)
Location:   Church of the Immaculate Conception, St. Mary’s Chapel

Time: 9:30 a.m., followed by Confessions after Mass (location to be announced)

This Traditional Latin Mass will be the Mass of the Immaculate Heart of Mary with a Commemoration of St. Therese of Lisieux, offered in Reparation to The Immaculate Heart of Mary.

October 2, 2020   No Comments

FIRST FRIDAY AND FIRST SATURDAY TLM’S FOR SEPTEMBER

by William A. Torchia, Esq.

The Traditional Latin Mass will be offered on
Friday, September 4th and Saturday, September 5th
at:
Church of the Immaculate Conception 
of the Blessed Virgin Mary
602 West Avenue
Jenkintown, PA 19046
(215) 887-1501
Confessions and Mass will be upstairs both Friday and Saturday
First Friday, September 4h:
Priest: Rev. Harold B. Mc Kale (Chaplain to St John Neumann Nursing Home)
Location:  Church of the Immaculate Conception, Main Church

Time: 7:00 p.m., preceded by Confessions at 6:30 p.m.

This Traditional Latin Mass will be the Votive Mass of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus offered in Reparation to The Sacred Heart of Jesus.

First Saturday, September 5th:
Priest: Rev. Harold B. Mc Kale (Chaplain to St John Neumann Nursing Home)
Location:   Church of the Immaculate Conception, Main Church

Time: 9:00 a.m., preceded by Confessions at 8:30 a.m.

This Traditional Latin Mass will be the Mass of the Immaculate Heart of Mary with a Commemoration of St. Lawrence Justinian, Confessor and Bishop, offered in Reparation to The Immaculate Heart of Mary.

For further information, contact Mark Matthews or Pamela Maran at (215) 947-6555.

 

September 4, 2020   No Comments

FIRST FRIDAY AND FIRST SATURDAY TLM’S FOR AUGUST 2020

by William A. Torchia, Esq.

Traditional Latin Mass & Spiritual Conference - Diocese of Knoxville

The Traditional Latin Mass will be offered on

Saturday, August 1st and Friday, August 7th 

at

Church of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary

602 West Avenue

Jenkintown, PA 19046

(215) 887-1501

Confession and Mass will be upstairs both Friday and Saturday.

First Saturday, August 1st:

Priest: Rev. Harold B. Mc Kale (Chaplain to St John Neumann Nursing Home)

Location:   Church of the Immaculate Conception, Main Church

Time: 9:00 a.m., preceded by Confessions at 8:30 a.m.

This Traditional Latin Mass will be the Mass of the Immaculate Heart of Mary with a Commemoration of The Holy Machabees, Martyrs, offered in Reparation to The Immaculate Heart of Mary.

First Friday, August 8th:

Priest: Rev. Harold B. Mc Kale (Chaplain to St John Neumann Nursing Home)

Location:  Church of the Immaculate Conception, Main Church

Time: 7:00 p.m., preceded by Confessions at 6:30 p.m.

This Traditional Latin Mass will be the Votive Mass of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus with a Commemoration of St. Cajetan, offered in Reparation to The Sacred Heart of Jesus.

For further information, contact Mark Matthews or Pamela Maran at (215) 947-6555.

July 30, 2020   No Comments

First Friday & First Saturday Traditional Latin Mass Schedule for July 2020

by William A. Torchia, Esq.

People Should Not Say The Altar Boy's Part At Low Latin Mass ...

The Traditional Latin Mass will be offered on

Friday, July 3rd and Saturday, July 4th

at

Church of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary

602 West Avenue

Jenkintown, PA 19046

(215) 887-1501

Confession and Mass will be upstairs both Friday and Saturday.

First Friday, July 3rd:

Priest: Rev. Harold B. Mc Kale (Parish Vicar, Our Lady of Mount Carmel Roman Catholic Church)

Location:  Church of the Immaculate Conception, Main Church

Time: 7:00 p.m., preceded by Confessions at 6:30 p.m.

This Traditional Latin Mass will be the Mass of the Sacred Heart of Jesus with a Commemoration of St. Irenaeus, offered in Reparation to The Sacred Heart of Jesus.

First Saturday, July 4th:

Priest: Rev. Harold B. Mc Kale (Parish Vicar, Our Lady of Mount Carmel Roman Catholic Church)

Location:   Church of the Immaculate Conception, Main Church

Time: 9:00 a.m., preceded by Confessions at 8:30 a.m.

This Traditional Latin Mass will be the Mass of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, offered in Reparation to The Immaculate Heart of Mary.

June 30, 2020   No Comments

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