Ultramontanism: Its Life and Death

We cannot understand the crisis in the Catholic Church today or how to escape from it unless we understand how the ecclesiological distortion popularly known as ultramontanism originated, how it functions as a kind of hyperclericalism, and finally how it has consumed itself like the ouroboros. Stuart Chessman published the following very insightful historical analysis in four installments (December 20, 23, 27, and 31) at the Society of St. Hugh of Cluny’s blog. With his permission they are published here as a single essay.—PAK

Ultramontanism: Its Life and Death 

Stuart Chessman

The Society of St. Hugh of Cluny

The actions of present Pope have put incredible stress on the Church’s constitution—the papal absolute monarchy. I’d like to offer some reflections on this system of government: ultramontanism. To understand it, though, we have to go back in history, starting with the reign of Pius IX when the ultramontanist regime received its “classic” form. I will focus on history—what actually happened—as opposed to theological considerations.

Lepanto conference and solemn pontifical Mass in NYC

Next month there will be a conference and solemn pontifical Mass at one of New York City's most beautiful churches.

The Most Reverend James Massa, auxiliary bishop of Brooklyn (and pastor of a parish in Park Slope, and vicar for education), will offer the Mass.  The assistant priest will be the Reverend Father Richard Cipolla.

Two of the three speakers at the conference are Rorate contributors:  Father Cipolla and Dr. Peter Kwasniewski.

The day is being organized by the Society of Saint Hugh of Cluny, which has details here.

Kwasniewski and Lamont on the Roman Rite — Double Lecture at St. Mary's, Norwalk, on Tuesday, June 27

As we near the tenth anniversary of the promulgation of Summorum Pontificum, the Society of St. Hugh of Cluny is pleased to announce a special event at St. Mary's Church in Norwalk, Connecticut, on Tuesday, June 27, starting a 5:30 pm, namely, traditional Vespers, a lecture by me and a lecture by Dr. John Lamont, a Q&A period, and a reception with refreshments.

In addition, Angelico Press will be on hand for the launch of my new book: Noble Beauty, Transcendent Holiness: Why the Modern Age Needs the Mass of Ages. Copies will be available for purchase at a 20% discount. I'm looking forward to meeting the attendees and will be happy to sign or inscribe a book for anyone interested.