We're Running Out of Shepherds

In recent decades, the Catholic Church has witnessed a troubling decline in priestly vocations. This crisis is not merely a matter of numbers; it reflects a deeper spiritual and cultural shift within the Church. A significant factor contributing to this decline is the Church’s ongoing suppression of traditional practices, particularly the Traditional Latin Mass (TLM), and the broader effects of the post-Vatican II reforms.

Father Donald Calloway, a Novus Ordo priest, supports the right of Catholics to continue being traditionalists and recognizes the value in these practices. However, he serves within the context of the Novus Ordo Mass. Despite this, he has noted the profound commitment to faith exhibited by Traditional Catholics. According to him, 99.9% of Traditional Catholics believe in the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist, faithfully attend Sunday Mass, and pray the Rosary daily—practices that foster a deep spiritual life and, historically, have been a wellspring of priestly vocations.

The Traditional Latin Mass is more than just a liturgical form; it is a spiritual experience that draws the faithful into the mystery of the divine. For centuries, the TLM was the liturgical norm, instilling a deep reverence for the sacred. Communities that continue to celebrate the TLM are often vibrant with vocations, as young men raised in these environments are more likely to hear and respond to God’s call to the priesthood.

The Vatican II reforms, which introduced the Novus Ordo Mass, sought to make the liturgy more accessible. It’s important to emphasize that the Novus Ordo is a valid and legitimate form of the Mass, one that has nourished the spiritual lives of countless Catholics around the world, myself included. However, the shift from the TLM to the Novus Ordo has, in some instances, resulted in a liturgy that feels less transcendent and more focused on community participation, sometimes at the expense of a deeper spiritual connection. For many, this has weakened the sense of the sacred, making it harder for young men to discern a vocation to the priesthood.

Pope Francis’ pontificate has been marked by efforts to suppress the Traditional Latin Mass. In 2021, he issued the motu proprio Traditionis Custodes, which significantly restricted the celebration of the TLM. This move has been met with deep anguish among Traditional Catholics, who see it as an attempt to stifle a legitimate and fruitful expression of Catholic worship.

At the same time, Pope Francis has taken actions that many view as a suppression of conservative, traditional voices within the Church. This includes the excommunication or marginalization of bishops and cardinals who are known for their defense of traditional Catholic teachings, such as Bishop Joseph Strickland, Cardinal Carlo Maria Viganò, and Cardinal Raymond Burke. These leaders have been outspoken in their commitment to the faith and their criticism of the Church’s direction under Pope Francis, particularly regarding issues like the TLM and the Church’s response to modern moral challenges.

While traditionalist clergy and laity face increasing restrictions, figures like Father James Martin, SJ, who promotes the LGBT agenda, continue to hold positions of influence within the Church. This apparent double standard is troubling to many faithful Catholics. They see a Church that is increasingly willing to tolerate, and even celebrate, views that conflict with its longstanding teachings on marriage, sexuality, and the sanctity of life.

Moreover, the Church’s leadership has shown a degree of leniency toward prominent Catholic politicians like President Joe Biden and former Speaker Nancy Pelosi, both of whom support abortion, a grave moral evil according to Catholic doctrine. This tolerance has led to confusion among the faithful and further alienated those who adhere to traditional Catholic teachings.

The alarming decline in vocations is starkly illustrated by predictions for New York, where it is estimated that within the next five years, there will be only 100 priests available to serve 300 parishes. This projection is not just a statistical concern; it represents a spiritual crisis that threatens the very fabric of the Church in that region. Without sufficient priests, the sacraments, which are the lifeblood of Catholic spiritual life, will become increasingly inaccessible, further alienating the faithful and weakening the Church’s presence in the community.

If the Church is to reverse this decline and renew its spiritual vigor, it must revisit the wisdom of its traditions. The suppression of the Traditional Latin Mass and the marginalization of traditionalist voices are not the answers. Instead, the Church should promote these traditions, which have historically nurtured a deep sense of the sacred and a strong commitment to the faith.

But returning to tradition is not enough. We must also become a voice for the truth of Jesus Christ and His teachings. The Church needs to unequivocally denounce all sin, not tolerate and certainly not celebrate it! Our mission is to uphold the teachings of Christ, which call us to a life of holiness, rejecting sin in all its forms. This means standing firm against modern societal pressures that seek to normalize behaviors contrary to the Gospel.

Moreover, we must recognize that it is not merely the quantity of priests that matters, but their quality. We need more priests, but not just any priests—we need courageous priests who speak only the truth. We need true shepherds, men who are deeply rooted in the teachings of Christ and who are unafraid to stand against the moral relativism that has infiltrated even the Church. These priests must be bold in their proclamation of the Gospel, uncompromising in their defense of the faith, and unwavering in their commitment to leading their flocks to holiness.

It is time to recognize the value of the Traditional Latin Mass and other traditional practices. By doing so, the Church can foster a renewed sense of the sacred and inspire a new generation of priests who are deeply rooted in the faith and committed to leading the Church with fidelity and courage. But equally important is our collective responsibility to speak the truth in love, to boldly proclaim the Gospel, and to challenge the pervasive moral relativism that has taken root even within the Church.

The decline in priestly vocations is a symptom of a deeper crisis within the Church, one that has been exacerbated by the post-Vatican II reforms, the suppression of traditional practices, and the failure to boldly proclaim the truth of the Gospel. If the Church is to thrive, it must embrace its rich liturgical and spiritual heritage, support its traditional communities, and denounce sin in all its forms. Only by doing so can the Church hope to reignite the flame of faith and inspire a new generation of priests to lead the Church into the future. We must stand firm in our commitment to the truth of Jesus Christ, no matter the cost, and be a light in a world that so desperately needs it.