In a quiet Wisconsin neighborhood, the winds of change are blowing through St. Maria Goretti parish, where medieval hymns have replaced contemporary tunes. This shift is emblematic of a broader movement within the U.S. Catholic Church, which is seeing a resurgence of traditional practices that favor the old ways over the reforms introduced by Vatican II in the 1960s.
The transformation at St. Maria Goretti began in 2021 with the arrival of a new pastor, which marked a turning point for the parish. “It was like a step back in time,” remarked a former parishioner, reflecting the sentiment of many who find the changes disconcerting. The church, once known for its modern outlook, now sees sermons focusing heavily on sin and confession, a stark contrast to its former practice.
Across the nation, this trend is becoming more visible as younger, more conservative priests take up roles in parishes, shaping them with a vision that some see as a necessary return to orthodoxy. “They say they’re trying to restore what we old guys ruined,” commented the Rev. John Forliti, a retired priest who witnessed the liberal transformations of the post-Vatican II era.
The movement isn’t confined to isolated cases. From Minnesota to California, parishes are witnessing shifts that sometimes lead to division among congregants. In Cleveland, Doug Koesel, a 72-year-old priest, observes the generational change with a mix of resignation and bitterness: “They’re just waiting for us to die.”
But the changes are not universally unwelcome. Many young families and parishioners embrace the old rites, finding solace in the traditions that have long defined the church. “We want this ethereal experience that is different from everything else in our lives,” said Ben Rouleau, a young adult who appreciates the return to traditional practices.
The resurgence of orthodoxy is influenced by factors such as declining church attendance and changing demographic profiles within the church. Surveys indicate that while most American Catholics hold liberal views on issues like abortion and contraception, those regularly attending Mass tend to be more conservative.
The tension between progressive ideals and traditional values is palpable, as some parishes experience decline in attendance and donations while others see a rekindled enthusiasm for strict adherence to church teachings. “I don’t want my daughter to be Catholic,” expressed Christine Hammond, a parishioner dismayed by the direction her church is taking. “Not if this is the Roman Catholic Church that is coming.”
Despite the controversies and challenges, the traditionalist movement continues to gain momentum, fueled by a yearning for a connection to the church’s historical roots. As this ideological shift reshapes the landscape of American Catholicism, it remains to be seen how it will balance the legacy of its past with the realities of its present.
