Resources: Servers' pronunciation guide for the TLM
"The Death of Benedict XVI: The Failure of the Hermeneutic of Continuity"
by Côme de Prévigny
Much has been said about Benedict XVI in recent weeks. The major newspapers, not very complacent, have recalled that he was called "panzercardinal" when he was the Pope's guarantor of dogma. The more conservative media hailed him as the architect of liturgical pacification, the one who had the merit of publishing the Motu Proprio Summorum Pontificum. Perhaps we forget that with his death, a real page in the history of the Church is being turned, since with him the last great actor of Vatican II has disappeared. Even the last six surviving Council Fathers (almost one hundred years old), out of the two thousand five hundred, did not play the outsized role that he did as an expert. He attended the debates as a theological consultant to Archbishop Joseph Frings of Cologne and on many occasions lent his pen to this leading prelate. With Joseph Ratzinger also dies the last cardinal appointed under Paul VI, a key figure who took part in the great papal decisions of the last half-century, one of the eminent figures of the contemporary Church, whose role was to apply the decisions of the Fathers and then to interpret them.
An undeniable evolution
The Council and the Eclipse of God by Don Pietro Leone - CHAPTER 11 (part 2) 'The Effects of Council Teaching'
‘The evil of our day is less a pandemic than a pandemonium.'
5. Man in his Choice of Life
We here consider, as we have
done above:
a)
Marriage;
b)
The Priesthood;
c) The Religious Life.
Mythbusting: “African Catholicism is a Vatican II Success Story”
Bishop Gregory Ochiagha, of Orlu Diocese in Nigeria, offering pontifical Mass in the old rite |
In Africa, touted most frequently as a “Vatican II success,” the number of Catholics receiving the sacraments per 1000 also collapsed after Vatican II, as this chart indicates (source; interestingly, it seems that CARA has removed the study from their own website, without explanation, although it was reported on widely at the time):
In 1900 Catholics were 2% of the total African population. By Vatican II, that had ↑ to 13%. After Vatican II, the number's been nearly stagnant: ~16%, paling in comparison to Prots, whose % doubled during that time, 15% → 29%. The “Catholics” ↑ = b/c the population tripled. (source) “But that [post-Vatican II] growth is primarily due to a higher birth rate, ‘not to conversion or evangelization,’ observed Fr. Thomas Reese, social scientist & columnist for NCR.” (source) “CARA: the growth can be attributed to high fertility rates...” (source)
The 600% increase in Catholics in Africa to 1970 has been followed by a 50% increase since. What, I wonder, caused the inflection in the graph? Oh right: the counterfactual that it would have been worse had the Council never....
New online Latin Courses
The Council and the Eclipse of God by Don Pietro Leone: CHAPTER 11 (part 1) : The Effects of Council Teaching
After having terminated his analysis of the Council and its causes, Don Pietro returns to the quotation at the beginning of the book: "How does the city sit solitary that was full of people...?" attempting to understand the present state of the Church and the world in the light of his findings. He first surveys the heterodoxy and the chastisement of the Church and the World subsequent to the Council, and then the role that the devil has played in that work of devastation. F. R.
Martin Cejka interviews Dr. Kwasniewski on the papacy for “European Conservative”
230 Years - Louis XVI, Saintly King, true Martyr: a Catholic going to death and His Last Will and Testament
Update on the Grand Altarpiece of the Church of the Fraternity of St Vincent Ferrer
March for Life 2023 -- a very different year
![]() |
Nellie Gray Mass, March for Life 2020 |
So... about that rumor...
Regarding the rumor of a new document on the Latin Mass, a rumor that was widespread last week, our sources in Rome have denied its existence, or at least that it is planned.
***
One important caveat, however, and this is our own, not from our sources: this Pontificate has seen a plethora of new legislation coming out every month. And, differently from what used to happen in the past, the legislation enacted by Francis does not derive from a measured procedure, in which each Congregation concerned is asked for feedback and considerations.
In Francislaw, there is no procedure.
Latest issue of "The Dowry" (Magazine of FSSP in the UK): Free online
Minutes from the Commission of Cardinals That Advised John Paul II to Lift Restrictions on the Old Missal
(Reposted from, and with permission of, New Liturgical Movement, where the translation first appeared on January 9, 2023.)
"Francis does to Georg Gänswein what the Jesuits did to him in Buenos Aires": Pack up and leave by February 1
Benedict XVI: A Personal Testimony - by Fr. Louis-Marie de Blignières, FSVF
Benedict XVI: A Personal Testimony
For almost half a century, Pope Benedict XVI offered to the Church, as his answer to relativism, selfishness and despair, a Christian epiphany of truth, unity and joy.
Fellow-worker with the truth
What is most striking about Benedict XVI’s life is how he always sought to open up the way of truth, to people living in our difficult modern times. He understood the challenges. He was fully aware of how the metaphysical range of the human intelligence had come to be neglected. He also perceived the decline of the theology of creation, a branch of theology that sees nature and the human body as a ‘message’ sent forth by the wisdom of God.
“The Catholic Church must free itself from this ‘toxic nightmare’” — Cardinal Pells’ final public statement
RORATE EXCLUSIVE: First translation of pages on 'Traditionis Custodes' from Gänswein's new book
Gerhard Ludwig Müller: "Pope Francis' clampdown on the Latin Mass was an imprudence"
A Monk of Le Barroux Reflects on His Friendship with Ratzinger
The somewhat sad funeral of Benedict XVI: Václav Klaus reflects
The Funeral Rites of Benedict XVI and the Many Petty Gestures of Francis
Francis’ Petty Heart
Caminante Wanderer
Argentina, January 5, 2023
Mediocre people surround themselves with ones even more mediocre than themselves in order to be able to manage them as they please and conceal their own mediocrity. This is what Bergoglio did as soon as he took over the papal throne. And it has been demonstrated for the umpteenth time with the death of Pope Benedict XVI.
I summarize here some of the events of the last few days, mostly anecdotal, but which reveal the mean and petty soul of Pope Francis. Some are public; others, on the other hand, were confided to me by discreet sources who walk the corridors of the Sacred Palace:
New publication: The English Edition of ‘The Execution of Justice’ by Elisabetta Sala
Rorate is happy to announce to our readers the publication of the long-awaited English edition of Italian writer, Elizabetta Sala’s* first-rate historical novel, ‘The Execution of Justice’, a page-turning thriller.
My Benedict Story
I was honored to meet Cardinal Ratzinger during the 10th anniversary Ecclesia Dei and Priestly Fraternity of Saint Peter celebrations in Rome in 1998, and am thankful to the New York Post (currently the fifth largest newspaper in the U.S.) for running my account (followed by some commentary...) online Wednesday and in print Thursday.
May he rest in peace.
![]() |
Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger, pontifical High Mass |
Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger was the keynote speaker at a Vatican conference on the traditional Latin Mass in October 1998, seven years before he would become Pope Benedict XVI — whose funeral Pope Francis will lead in St. Peter’s Square Thursday.
Mosebach on Benedict
"The two popes and the mystery of the Church" - by Roberto de Mattei
2023 conveys to future ages an absolutely unprecedented image: the funeral of one pope presided over by another pope. An image that touches upon the very essence of the papacy, which Jesus Christ meant to be one and indivisible.
In an interview given to Bruno Vespa on Good Friday of 2005, when he was still prefect of the Congregation of the Faith, Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger stated that “the pontificate is a unique responsibility given by the Lord, and one that the Lord alone can take back”. Eight years later, however, on 11 February 2013, came the announcement of his abdication — like “a bolt from the blue”, to use the words of the then dean of the college of cardinals, Angelo Sodano. There are those who are convinced that the cause of Benedict XVI’s resignation of the pontificate lies in various kinds of pressure thought to have been applied to him. But in an interview with Peter Seewald, published as his Last Testament, Benedict reiterated: “That’s all complete nonsense... no one has tried to blackmail me. If that had been attempted I would not have gone.” The decision, he always repeated, was taken in full and conscious freedom.
Gänswein: “I believe it broke Pope Benedict’s heart to read [Traditionis custodes].”
++Gänswein: "I believe it broke Pope Benedict's heart to read [Traditionis custodes]... To take this treasure [of the old Mass] away from people - well, I can't say I'm comfortable with that."
(source: https://t.co/McmNEHmWJk) pic.twitter.com/9fUAzWOGtL
— Matthew Hazell (@M_P_Hazell) January 3, 2023
Full interview available here.
Progressive liturgist tells us Ratzinger was motivated by sentimentality and guilt
The Great Resignations — Guest Article by Christian Browne
“A Tragic Pope” - A Great Intellect is Important; an Iron Hand Even More So - by Juan Manuel de Prada
A TRAGIC POPE
This is how the tragedy came about of the clairvoyant man, capable of diagnosing the causes of the evil that was leading to the gangrene of the Church
The papacy of Benedict XVI was perceived by many Catholics -among whom I count myself- as a precious gift. It was -saving the differences- as if John Henry Newman had acceded to the Petrine ministry. Not only because Ratzinger was a man of high intellectual stature - even if he did not reach Newman's unattainable heights* - but also because from a 'past' prone to the shadow he had embraced the light.
“Everything that contributes to rootedness [in the faith] must be encouraged”
![]() |
Newly ordained FSSP priest offering the Holy Mass |
“My Spiritual Testament” - Benedict XVI
My spiritual testament
Some Examples of the Many Ways of Resisting, Resisting, Resisting ‘Traditionis Custodes’ — Scenes from France
(Translation of Paix Liturgique Letter 910 of 29 December 2022)
Since the promulgation of the motu proprio Traditionis custodes in 2021, various French bishops—in spite of the reality of dechristianization and the shortage of the faithful, as well as of clergy and financial means—have begun to hunt down their last (rather young) faithful and parish priests.
THOMAS BECKET - "This is the sign of the Church always: The Sign of Blood."
KNIGHTS. Where is Becket, the traitor to the King?
Where is Becket, the meddling priest?
Come down Daniel to the lions' den,
Come down Daniel for the mark of the beast.
Five-day Silent Retreats with the Spiritual Exercises & TLM, June 2023, Ohio
Our friends the traditional Benedictine monks of the Monastery of Notre Dame in Tasmania have announced their USA retreats for 2023. Details in flyer below. Places are limited; register soon.
Cardinals block appointment of Heiner Wilmer as Prefect of the DDF
A CHRISTMAS MEDITATION: 'A Spiritual Nativity' by Father Konrad zu Lowenstein

The Adoration of the Child by Antonio Correggio (early 16th century)
Every Christmas the light of God’s glory shines anew when the Infant Jesus is born once again spiritually into the world – Christmas not only being the anniversary or celebration of His Birth more than two thousand years ago, but a new birth, in a spiritual sense.
CHRISTMAS: Fontgombault Sermon for Christmas Day Mass: "The Child of the crib is truly God."
Christmas Day Mass
And the Word was made flesh. (Jn 1:14)
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
My dearly beloved Sons,
Since last night the liturgy has been taking us with a dis-concerting easiness from a poor stable to the most unfathomable mysteries of the Trinity. The birth according to the flesh of a child in a stable rubs shoulders with the eternal generation of the second person of the Trinity in the bosom of the Father. The angels make themselves close to the shepherds. Very soon, we shall learn that a star has convoked three kings in the presence of the Divine Child. As the Word of God takes flesh in our earth, the laws of nature seem to be topsy-turvy.
What is then the divine plan carried out under our eyes? It is a plan of salvation, granted to men by God “not by the works of justice which we have done, but according to His mercy.” During Advent, the Church kept asking for this mercy, in the school of the people of the Old Testament: “Ostende nobis, Domine, misericordiam tuam. — Show us, O Lord, Thy mercy.”
CHRISTMAS: Fontgombault Sermon for Christmas Midnight Mass
Natus est vobis hodie Salvator.
This day is born to you a Savior. (Lk 2:11)
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
My dearly beloved Sons,
It is said that one of the chaplains of Elizabeth II, the late Queen of England called to God a few months ago, was once quite surprised when she told him that she hoped Christ would come back on earth during her lifetime. Nonplussed, he asked, “Why?” The Queen’s answer was immediate, revealing the depth of her spiritual life, and the outcome of a thinking process where all the elements had been carefully weighed up: “For I would like so much to lay down my crown at His feet.”
As, after chanting the genealogy of Our Lord Jesus Christ taken from St. Matthew’s gospel, we have just laid the Child Jesus down into the crib, as the overflowing mercy coming down from Heaven is once again poured out over mankind in the gift of the Emmanuel, God with us, are we ready to go to the crib, there to encounter the Lord? How shall we go there? Shall we lay down there our crowns? And which crowns?
The introit of tonight’s Mass is taken from Psalm 2, and begins with a question:
Why have the Gentiles raged, and the people devised vain things? The kings of the earth stood up, and the princes met together, against the Lord, and against his Christ.
CHRISTMAS: Why the Birth of Jesus in a poor cave is relevant for faith in the Word Incarnate? - a Christmas Reflection
The Birth of Jesus in a poor cave:
Why is it so relevant for the faith in the Word incarnate?
By Fr Serafino M. Lanzetta
The testimonies of tradition
From the Gospels we have a few historical data about Jesus’ birth, necessary and indeed sufficient to hold firmly to the mystery. From St Matthew and St Luke, we learn that Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Juda (cf. Mt 2:1; Lk 2:4). From St Luke we learn only that there was no room “at the inn”, and that for this reason, the child was wrapped in swaddling clothes and laid in a manger (cf. Lk 2:4-7). The traditional view holds that Jesus was born in a cave. The only literalbiblical reference to this is the fact that Our Lord was laid in a “manger” (cf. Lk 2:7: phátne). However, there are historicalwitnesses among the early Church Fathers who attest to Jesus’being born in a cave: St Justin Martyr (150 A.D.), according to whom Jesus was born in a cave that was used as a stable, though not the typical stone and wooden stable so commonplace in our Christian art; then there is Origen (250 A.D.), followed by St Jerome (325 A.D.). In 335 A.D, Emperor Constantine built the Basilica of the Nativity on the spot where the cave of Jesus’ nativity had been identified in Bethlehem, thanks to the historical testimonies of these early Church Fathers.