Thursday, March 5, 2015

Old Trads & the Future


I have decided to cancel my blog series on the early members of the traditionalist cause owing to the enormity of the subject, the disparate nature of the people involved—although they did interact, and the dearth of research out there. I will have to do my own research with an eye towards putting it into a volume some day (I can't think who would publish it though). 

After some consideration, I have decided to close down this blog in the near, but not immediate future. I started it at the recommendation of my ex-girlfriend to occupy my spare time. With my job, my own research interests, and many of the unpleasant comments I've gotten in recent months I no longer find pleasure or solace in writing here. Posting seems like a chore and the quality of exposition has declined like Byzantium under the Palaiologos family. I wanted to influence and connect with Catholics of a traditional mindset who may not share the standard Tradistani agenda or outlook. This much have I done. I think many of us are the better for it and can take the potency of our reflections into our parishes, where the real work of liturgical and spiritual restoration is to be done.

One last series remains. The Pope's arrant attempt to change the Church's practice with regard to sexuality and marriage in a manner reminiscent of Henry VIII and Leo VI along with the accompanying disconnect of many party-line towers compels me to share my own lugubrious experience in this matter. Given the personal and complicated nature of the events, I might post it as a series of short stories with pseudonyms for the characters.

Until then, keep reading!

10 comments:

  1. "I wanted to influence and connect with Catholics of a traditional mindset who may not share the standard Tradistani agenda or outlook. This much have I done. I think many of us are the better for it and can take the potency of our reflections into our parishes, where the real work of liturgical and spiritual restoration is to be done."

    And this is exactly why you should keep your blog active. I am extremely grateful to you for inspiring me to work in my parish to restore the real Roman Holy Week ceremonies rather than just live in my private utopia with my liturgical books at home.

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  2. May I echo JohnR's comment above. Sensible voices, of those who both care and know about matters liturgical, are rare enough these days.

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  3. You are a rest treasure R.T. and your Blog has been a great help to me but your reasons for leaving are quite understandable.

    Prayers for you and yours always, Sir.

    A Blog like this is a rarity on the internet and those who know you personally are blessed.

    Consider moving to the Diocese of Palm Beach County (spiritually dead) is you have never had a desert experience

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  4. At least keep the blog up. I guarantee that you will eventually want to post something.

    I say reduce your posts to maybe one a month, but don't completely abandon the blog. The Ecclesial Vigilante needs any ally blogs it can get.

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    1. I second this motion.

      Keeping up a blog is indeed a chore, especially when the pace of real life quickens. But even on a greatly reduced, largely dormant basis, your blog still has great value.

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  5. I concur with all of the above.

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  6. It would be sad to miss your learned blog entries. It is always a pleasure to read them. And I concur with Lord of Bollocks, please keep your blog up.

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  7. Sad news, your blog became one of my go-to blogs in the last few months. Maybe you can give it another thought. I had the same temptation, too. I would also still be really interested in that Old Trad series. It would be interesting if someone outside of the Sede movement could shed some light on unknown Trad bishops like Msgr. Blasius Kurz, O.F.M. Anyway, God bless!

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  8. Dear The Rad Trad. I understand perfectly what you have said and sincerely wish you all the very best.

    However, I also concur with the wise comments, suggestions and requests from all the above Commenters, who truly regard your Blog as THE place to go to.

    Is it possible that you just need a good rest and then, possibly, to return to your Blog on a reduced frequency, as and when the mood takes you ?

    Whatever happens, do keep in touch.

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  9. I too would be sad if you took this blog down. Quite a few people come from this blog to mine, and you have done a lot of work to document the history of the traditionalist RC movement. I have shared some of my memories of the 1980's with you. I have moved on since leaving the Institute of Christ the King, but I still have my memories and "corporate knowledge". You have contributed a considerable amount to this "corporate knowledge" that cannot be allowed to be forgotten as the powerfuml change history in their favour.

    I have also been through times when I have wondered if there was any point to it. I have developed a fairly thick "anti-troll skin", but they can still cause emotional pain and a knock to our self esteem. I don't know about Blogger but WordPress has all new commenters on moderated status until a comment has been passed. I can then keep a given e-mail address on moderated status at will without having to moderate all comments, for example those I trust.

    Perhaps as others have mentioned, perhaps you could do one post a week or month and make that a routine that takes up less time against your family and occupational commitments.

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