An Open Letter to His Holiness Pope Leo XIV On the Renewal of the Catholic Priesthood in the Spirit of the Curé of Ars

Most Holy Father,

Your election comes at a time of great upheaval. The world trembles beneath the weight of change—technological, social, and spiritual. As in the mid-1800s, when the Church emerged from the ravages of the French Revolution and faced the birth pangs of industrial modernity, so too today we stand at a threshold. The faithful hunger for clarity. The lost seek mercy. The lukewarm cry out—silently, unknowingly—for fire.

When religious orders fall into laxity, the path to reform is clear: they return to the founding charism. Franciscans look to St. Francis. Dominicans to St. Dominic. Augustinians to the burning heart of St. Augustine.

But where shall the diocesan priest turn?

He has no founder in the canonical sense—no rule but the broad and beautiful demands of pastoral charity. Yet he does have a model. He does have a sanctuary. He has, in the providence of God, the Curé of Ars.

 The Strategy of Ars (1820–1859): A Model for Our Time

In the unremarkable village of Ars, St. John Vianney became a lighthouse of sanctity in an age of shadows. His program was not based on novelty, but on fidelity—radical, luminous, undistracted fidelity to Jesus Christ and the care of souls.

1. Personal Holiness and Sacrifice

He slept and ate  little, and gave up even the comfort of privacy to remain available to penitents. His sacrifices were not for show, but for love—the kind of love of quiet martyrdom for souls.

2. The Eucharist as the Sun of the Parish

His reverent daily Mass was the heart of the parish. He taught his flock not only to attend, but to adore. The Blessed Sacrament was not merely present—it was enthroned.

3. Confession as the Furnace of Mercy

Sixteen hours a day in the confessional. He read hearts. He awakened consciences. He offered not a ritual, but an encounter with the living God.

4. Preaching and Catechesis with Fire

Simple words. Profound truths. He spoke of heaven with longing, of sin with gravity, of virtue with joy. His sermons burned away indifference.

5. Unflinching Battle Against Vice

He named sin plainly—blasphemy, impurity, profanation of the Lord’s Day—not to condemn, but to convert. He taught his people the dignity of holy rest and modest living.

6. Marian Devotion

He clung to the Rosary. He urged others to do the same. He walked with Mary, and she brought his people to Jesus.

7. Long-Suffering Love

Attacked by demons, mocked by peers, tempted by despair—he stayed. Three times he tried to leave Ars; three times he returned. He died where God had placed him—empty, spent, radiant.

 A Program for Priestly Renewal Today

Holy Father, if we desire the renewal of the Church, we must begin with the parish priest—not merely in structure or policy, but in the soul. What the Curé of Ars lived can be adapted—not copied slavishly, but imitated faithfully—for the needs of today.

Let there be, in every parish:

 A. Foundations of Sanctity

 Daily Holy Hour  and breviary before the Eucharist, begging for one's own salvation and his flock.

 Simple Living, marked by detachment from worldly comforts. Fasting.

 Sacramental Focus, with the Eucharist and Confession at the center of priestly life.

 B. A Pastoral Model for Conversion

1. Mercy Through Confession-- I put confession before Eucharist because it is a necessary preparation to receive worthily. 

    Schedule generous confession hours: Return to the tradition of 20 minutes before all masses, 

    especially on Sundays. 

    Preach sin and mercy clearly.

    Counsel with gentleness and courage.

2. Eucharistic Centrality

    Promote daily Mass.

    Offer Eucharistic adoration.

    Celebrate processions and benediction.

3. Catechesis that Inspires Holiness

    Incorporate catechism into sermons with clarity, along with Scripture..

    Form children in doctrine and prayer.

    Preach with fire—priests should learn rhetorical skills to inspire. Catholics are not known now as great     preachers, as in the past. St. Augustine was a master of rhetoric.

4. Clear Moral Leadership

    Name the dangers: pornography, addiction, Sabbath neglect, family collapse.

    Lead with hope—but do not fear the word sin-- explain what it is mortal and venial.

5. A Culture of Prayer

    First Fridays and First Saturdays: announce them coming on the last Sunday of each month.

    Public Rosaries, novenas, litanies.

    Prayer and fasting teams to intercede for conversions.

6. Parish Revival Events

    Retreats, parish missions, healing liturgies and local walking pilgrims.

    Promote Catholic radio and other media.

    

7. Spiritual Fatherhood

    Visit the homes. Go through the list of parishioners. If they don’t want him to visit, then make a place to meet at a restaurant or another place. It may take years to visit each parishioner. But it will be worth it. Bless homes with holy water and relics.

 A Short Rule for Parish Priests

In the Spirit of the Curé of Ars

 Rise early to pray for the conversion of one’s self and parish.

 Speak the truth in love, always: Study his sermons and catechesis.

 Give more time to confession than to meetings and fundraising.

 Preach to save souls, not to be admired.

 Live simply and humbly.

 Suffer for sinners. Rejoice for converts.

 Trust Mary with your priesthood.

 Die empty—having poured out everything.

Holy Father, you are Peter—called not merely to preserve, but to strengthen the brethren. In the village of Ars, a single priest transformed a nation. Imagine the harvest, if the Curé's fire were lit in a thousand parishes.

Let us not reinvent the Church. Let us remember her.

May this century be baptized in the same grace that sanctified that little village. May our shepherds be fathers again, our parishes be homes of prayer again, and our altars be thrones of fire again.

With filial devotion and hope,

Timothy Burns

Faithful son of the Church

Servant of her priests

“Is the Church Watering Down St. Paul? What Ephesians 5 Meant Then vs. Now”

 Emphasis on Sacrificial Love Over Submission in Catholic Marriage Discourse

Scriptural Basis: Love and Submission in Ephesians 5

The New Testament passage of Ephesians 5:21–33 famously describes a twofold model for Christian spouses: “Wives, be subject to your husbands, as to the Lord… Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the Church and gave himself up for her” (Eph 5:22, 25). Traditionally, this meant the wife’s submission to her husband’s headship and the husband’s sacrificial love toward his wife, mirroring the Christ–Church relationship. In practice, however, modern Catholic interpretation and preaching tend to give far more attention to the husband’s duty of self-giving love than to the wife’s duty of obedience. Many commentators note that this biblical text, once “dreaded” for its call to wifely subordination, is now often softened or reframed in homilies and Catholic media.

It's important to note, however, that the concept of mutual submission, as emphasized today in Catholic homilies and writings, was traditionally understood in a narrower, though still profound, context: the marital debt. St. Paul in 1 Corinthians 7:3–5 teaches:

“The husband should give to his wife her conjugal rights, and likewise the wife to her husband. For the wife does not have authority over her own body, but the husband does; likewise the husband does not have authority over his own body, but the wife does.”

This shows that St. Paul viewed both spouses as equals before God, each having equal dignity and equal rights within marriage. In particular, he was safeguarding against the use of sex as a weapon—whether through withholding affection, manipulation, or emotional control. The marital act could not be unilaterally denied without just cause, such as illness or mutual agreement. In this way, St. Paul was upholding marriage not only as a physical union but as a sacred, mutual gift. His instruction affirmed that sex is not to be used bluntly or selfishly, and that mutual love must govern even this intimate aspect of marriage. While modern homilies broaden the idea of "mutual submission" to encompass all dimensions of the marital relationship, the original scriptural and traditional context focused intensely on mutual sexual obligation as a safeguard for justice, affection, and unity in the home.

Homiletic Trends: Highlighting the Husband’s Role

Has Christianity Lost Its Passion? Benedict XVI’s Bold Answer

The Lost Passion of Christian Spirituality: Reconciling Eros, Agape, and Beauty in Catholic Theology

For much of Christian history, Catholic spirituality has emphasized intellect and will as the primary faculties of the spirit, reflecting the image of God in man. This emphasis, while preserving the rational and volitional dimensions of faith, has sometimes risked reducing Christian spirituality to a cold, rationalist piety—a form of "Christian Stoicism." While this was never the intent of the saints, theologians, or Church Fathers, certain trends—particularly in pre-Vatican II moral theology—may have unintentionally fostered a spirituality that prioritized self-mastery at the expense of a fully integrated love of God, one that is not only true and good but also beautiful.

Pope Benedict XVI, in his 2005 encyclical Deus Caritas Est, provides a corrective by reclaiming the passionate and beautiful aspect of divine love. He argues that eros and agape, often considered opposing forces, are in fact one in God and should be unified in man. This teaching not only refines but revitalizes Catholic spirituality, moving beyond a strict intellectual and volitional model toward a love that is both rational, willing, and passionately alive—and ultimately beautiful.

The Risk of Christian Stoicism

The tradition of emphasizing intellect (truth) and will (the good) as defining attributes of the spirit has deep roots in Catholic thought. Thomas Aquinas taught that the human soul’s highest faculties—intellect and will—reflect the nature of God, who is pure Being, Truth, and Goodness. This tradition upheld the necessity of right thinking and right choosing in the moral life, forming the basis for classical Catholic ethics.

However, a potential unintended consequence of this emphasis was a devaluation of passion and beauty, leading to a Christian form of Stoicism. The Stoics viewed emotions as disruptions to rational life, obstacles to be controlled or suppressed. While Catholic theology never fully embraced this view, certain strands of pre-Vatican II spirituality overemphasized detachment, duty, and discipline, sometimes neglecting the role of passion and aesthetic experience in Christian love.

Yet, the Church has always taught that beauty is the radiance of truth and goodness. Just as God is Truth and God is Good, He is also Beauty itself. This missing element—beauty—speaks directly to the heart, stirring the soul to love. Without beauty, faith can become mere obligation rather than a compelling desire for God.

Saints such as St. Teresa of Avila and St. John of the Cross did not fall into this error. Their mystical theology saw penance and sacrifice not as ends in themselves, but as ways to inflame love for God. Penance was not simply about self-mastery; it was a form of bodily prayer, an expression of passionate longing for the divine Beauty. Their example challenges the idea that Catholic spirituality should be devoid of fervor.

Benedict XVI: Eros, Agape, and the Beautiful as One in God

Pope Benedict XVI addresses this issue directly in Deus Caritas Est. He critiques the common misunderstanding that eros (desiring, passionate love) and agape (selfless, divine love) are opposed. He argues that in God, eros and agape are perfectly unified—God’s love is both fully self-giving and deeply desiring of the beloved. And since God is Beauty itself, His love is also profoundly beautiful.

However, because of fallen human nature, eros and agape often appear in conflict within us. Unredeemed eros can become self-centered and distorted, while a wrongly understood agape can degenerate into a weak, sentimental love lacking in prudence—which, paradoxically, is closer to corrupted eros than true selfless love.

Benedict warns against a false, purely altruistic love that dismisses eros entirely. He writes:

"Eros, reduced to pure 'sex,' has become a commodity, a mere 'thing' to be bought and sold. This is hardly man's great 'yes' to the body. On the other hand, a Christianity that rejects or marginalizes eros as a force in human life has not fully understood the dynamism of divine love." (Deus Caritas Est, 5)

Christianity, therefore, must integrate passion and beauty into love, rather than suppress them or allow them to become disordered. The saints understood this well. St. John of the Cross speaks of the "living flame of love," an intense passion for God that burns away impurities. The Sacred Heart devotion embodies this same idea—a heart that loves fiercely, even to the point of suffering, because true love is beautiful, even in sacrifice.

"America’s Financial Prison: Can We Escape the Debt-Based Economy?"

The Urgent Need for Economic Reform: Addressing the U.S. Debt Crisis

The Looming Economic Collapse

The national debt has surpassed $30 trillion and continues to rise at an unsustainable pace. While government borrowing has long been a staple of fiscal policy, the sheer scale of today’s debt burden is no longer just a domestic issue—it is a looming global threat.

The U.S. dollar serves as the world’s reserve currency, underpinning global trade, financial markets, and international stability. If confidence in the dollar collapses due to unsustainable debt, the ripple effects could trigger a worldwide financial meltdown.

At the heart of this crisis is a federal budget consumed by three primary expenditures: Social Security, Medicare, and military defense. These programs, while essential, are outpacing revenue and are primarily funded through borrowing, further accelerating the debt spiral. Meanwhile, rising interest payments on the national debt are diverting funds from critical investments in infrastructure, innovation, and long-term economic growth. Without immediate fiscal reform, the U.S. risks not just domestic economic stagnation but also the destabilization of the global financial system itself.

1. The Economic Impact of the Debt Burden

A growing portion of the federal budget is now dedicated solely to servicing debt interest, siphoning funds away from productive investments. In 2023 alone, the U.S. spent approximately $700 billion on interest payments—a figure that is projected to increase as debt levels rise and interest rates remain high.

This financial strain is not just an abstract concern for policymakers—it is already impacting everyday Americans. As the federal government borrows more, inflation remains a persistent threat, eroding purchasing power, raising the cost of goods and services, and making it harder for families to afford basic necessities. The more the government borrows, the greater the risk of inflation, devaluation of the dollar, and loss of economic stability.

But the consequences of this crisis extend far beyond U.S. borders. Since the dollar is the world’s primary reserve currency, many international financial transactions depend on its stability. If foreign nations and investors begin to lose confidence in the dollar, they may divest from U.S. assets, abandon dollar-based trade agreements, or shift to alternative currencies like the Chinese yuan or digital assets. Such a shift would shatter global markets, disrupt international trade, and trigger a financial crisis of unprecedented scale.

We are reaching a breaking point, and the consequences will hit you directly. As the government drowns in debt, more of your paycheck will go to higher prices on food, gas, and housing, while your savings lose value overnight. Retirement funds will shrink or disappear, job opportunities will dry up, and wages won’t keep pace with rising costs. If confidence in the dollar collapses, expect a financial shock that could wipe out businesses, trigger bank failures, and make everyday necessities unaffordable. This isn’t just numbers on a government spreadsheet—it’s your future, your security, and your ability to provide for your family at risk.

2. The Three Largest Federal Expenses: Social Security, Medicare, and Military Spending

The three largest expenditures in the U.S. federal budget—Social Security, Medicare, and defense—account for over two-thirds of total spending. These obligations, while critical, are growing at an unsustainable rate and are largely financed through government borrowing, further amplifying the debt crisis.

Social Security ($1.3 trillion, 2023)

Social Security remains the single largest expenditure, accounting for 20% of the federal budget. Over 66 million Americans rely on Social Security for retirement income, but due to shifting demographics and a declining worker-to-retiree ratio, the program is facing insolvency. Without reform, the Social Security Trust Fund is projected to run out of full funding by 2034, at which point automatic benefit cuts will be required.

If we had no national debt, the money spent on interest payments—nearly $700 billion in 2023 alone—could be used to fully fund Social Security and ensure financial security for millions of retirees. Instead, that money vanishes into servicing past borrowing, leaving Social Security on the brink of insolvency. With no debt burden, we could cover essential programs without tax hikes or benefit cuts. But as debt keeps rising, so does the risk that Social Security checks will shrink, forcing retirees to struggle while Washington continues borrowing with no plan to fix the mess.

Medicare ($1 trillion, 2023)

Medicare, which funds healthcare for over 65 million seniors and disabled individuals, consumes 15% of the federal budget. Rising healthcare costs and an aging population are driving Medicare spending to unsustainable levels. The program’s trust fund is expected to face serious shortfalls within the next decade, requiring either tax increases, benefit reductions, or major structural changes.

If we had no national debt, every senior and disabled American who relies on Medicare could have the care they need—without fear, without cuts, without politicians threatening their lifeline. Instead, because of reckless borrowing, nearly $700 billion a year is wasted on interest payments—money that could be keeping hospitals open, funding life-saving treatments, and ensuring our parents and grandparents get the dignity and care they deserve. Without change, Medicare will be forced to cut benefits, leaving millions wondering if they can afford their next doctor’s visit, prescription, or even a hospital stay. This isn’t just numbers on a budget—it’s the health, security, and survival of those who spent their lives building this country.

Military Spending ($877 billion, 2023)

The U.S. military budget remains the largest in the world, surpassing the combined defense spending of the next nine highest-spending countries. While national security is essential, defense spending is a major driver of debt accumulation, especially when combined with long-term overseas commitments and new military initiatives. Unlike Social Security and Medicare, which are funded through dedicated payroll taxes, military spending is financed almost entirely through general revenue and borrowing.

This raises concerns about fiscal sustainability. With ongoing geopolitical tensions, pressure to increase military funding remains strong. However, without a reassessment of spending priorities and efficiency measures, defense costs will continue to contribute significantly to the debt crisis.

National defense is essential—we must protect our nation and maintain global stability—but at what cost? While America foots the bill for defending the world, racking up trillions in debt, many of our allies spend a fraction of what we do, knowing that the U.S. will always step in. Meanwhile, our own economy buckles under the weight of endless military commitments, financed not by dedicated funds, but by borrowing that future generations will be forced to pay. It’s not fair. We are stretching ourselves thin, sacrificing our financial stability, while other nations enjoy security without the same burden. If we continue down this path without demanding that our allies share the load, we risk not just economic collapse, but the very strength we seek to protect.

Monetary Reform: Ending the Debt-Based Money System

I'm not just here to complain—I believe there's a way out of this crisis. Our financial system isn’t broken simply because of government overspending; it’s designed to trap us in an endless cycle of borrowing. The core issue is our reliance on a debt-based monetary system, where every new dollar is created as debt.

This guarantees that debt will always outpace the money supply, making true repayment impossible.

The United States' financial crisis is not merely a result of excessive government spending—it is rooted in a flawed monetary system that relies on debt-based money. Many call this "fiat money," but the more accurate term is debt-fiat money because every new dollar created is issued as debt, either through government bonds or bank loans. This system forces the country into a perpetual cycle of borrowing, ensuring that debt continues to grow no matter what policies are enacted.

But history shows us another way. During the Civil War, Abraham Lincoln issued Greenbacks—a non-debt fiat currency—to fund the Union Army without borrowing from private banks. He proved that money can be created without saddling future generations with endless debt. Yet after his assassination, private banking interests regained control, leading to the establishment of the Federal Reserve and our current debt-driven system.

The solution isn’t reckless money printing—it’s about issuing debt-free money responsibly, tied to real economic productivity rather than financial speculation. If we shift back to a sovereign monetary system, we could eliminate the need for government borrowing, stabilize the dollar, and free ourselves from the grip of private banks. This article will lay out how we can achieve that and finally break the cycle of debt-fueled collapse.

The truth is, it does not matter what backs a currency—gold, silver, or even government decree. What matters most is who controls its issuance and how its quantity is managed. The real problem is that under the current system, all money is created as interest-bearing debt. But the money for the interest is never created, forcing us to print more to pay the debt, which leads to more debt... and the cycle goes on. This ensures that total debt must always exceed the total money supply, making repayment impossible without further borrowing. This system benefits bankers and financial institutions while trapping governments and the public in endless cycles of debt and inflation.

After Lincoln’s assassination, President Andrew Johnson took steps that ultimately restored control of the U.S. monetary system to private banking interests. By moving the country back toward the gold standard, he ensured that those who controlled gold—primarily banks and wealthy elites—indirectly controlled the money supply. When gold was abundant, money flowed freely, leading to inflation. But when bankers and industrialists withdrew gold from circulation, money became scarce, triggering economic downturns and depressions. This manipulation of the currency supply put financial power in the hands of a few, setting the stage for economic instability and deepening reliance on a debt-based system. This cycle continued until the establishment of the Federal Reserve in 1913, which permanently tied money creation to interest-bearing debt, keeping the nation in a constant state of borrowing and financial dependence.

LFTRs: The Game-Changer for Clean, Unlimited Energy— We don't have to wait for Fusion.

 

Introduction

In the quest for sustainable energy solutions that meet the demands of safety, efficiency, and environmental responsibility, Liquid Fluoride Thorium Reactors (LFTRs) have emerged as a groundbreaking technology. LFTRs are a type of molten salt reactor, an innovative class of nuclear reactors, that utilize thorium—a naturally abundant element—as fuel. Unlike traditional reactors that use uranium, LFTRs operate at atmospheric pressure and with a liquid fuel mixture, which introduces inherent safety improvements and operational efficiencies.

The relevance of LFTR technology in today's energy landscape cannot be overstated. As the world grapples with the dual challenges of climate change and energy security, LFTRs offer a promising alternative that could reshape how we think about nuclear power. Their ability to produce minimal waste, reduce nuclear proliferation risks, and harness a widely available resource places them at the forefront of sustainable energy innovations. Moreover, the multifunctional capabilities of LFTRs extend beyond electricity generation, touching on critical areas such as water desalination, rare earth element production, and even synthetic fuel creation. This versatility makes LFTRs a particularly attractive option as we strive for a balanced and resilient energy future.

Thorium is more abundant than uranium, making it about three to four times more prevalent in the Earth's crust. While not as common as elements like lead or nickel, thorium is still relatively abundant compared to precious metals. Its abundance is comparable to that of tin, which occurs at similar levels, making it a moderately abundant element in the Earth's crust. This positions thorium as a viable and accessible resource for energy production, especially in contrast to more scarce elements.

In addition to their technological advancements and safety benefits, LFTRs hold significant promise for addressing energy poverty in poor developing nations. Access to reliable and affordable energy is crucial for economic growth and social development, particularly in regions where traditional energy infrastructure is limited or unreliable. LFTRs, with their potential for decentralized deployment and efficient energy production, offer a viable solution to empower communities with sustainable cheap electricity. By leveraging thorium, a resource more abundant and accessible globally than conventional uranium, LFTRs can potentially bridge the energy gap, enabling economic empowerment and enhancing quality of life in underserved regions.

LFTRs are uniquely positioned to overcome water limitations, which are a significant challenge for energy production in arid regions. Unlike traditional nuclear reactors that rely on water for cooling, LFTRs operate without the need for large quantities of water, reducing the pressure on water resources. This capability is especially valuable in regions where water scarcity is a critical issue. Additionally, the extreme energy efficiency of LFTRs could even facilitate the harvesting of water from the air, providing an additional water source for regions struggling with droughts or limited fresh water access. This transformative capability underscores LFTRs as not just a technological advancement, but a catalyst for global equity in energy access, water security, and sustainable development.

Tariffs, State Banks, and the Key to Economic Growth Without Stagnation

Rethinking Tariffs: Protectionism or Strategy?

Few economic topics provoke as much debate as tariffs. Critics warn they lead to stagnation, shielding domestic industries from competition until they become inefficient and complacent. Proponents argue that tariffs are necessary to level the playing field against unfair competition, such as nations that exploit cheap labor, weak environmental laws, and heavy subsidies.

But history shows that tariffs, when applied correctly, are not synonymous with protectionism. Instead, they are a strategic tool—one that nations from Hamilton’s America to modern China have used to develop strong industrial bases.

However, tariffs alone are not enough. If an economy imposes tariffs without ensuring capital flows into productive businesses, stagnation becomes a real risk. The missing piece? State banks.

State-owned banks, like the Bank of North Dakota (BND), ensure that capital stays in the economy instead of accumulating in corporate monopolies or speculative Wall Street ventures. They can fund innovation, small manufacturers, and technological development, preventing industries from simply coasting behind tariff barriers.

In short: Tariffs protect, but state banks keep the economy dynamic.

Beyond Christendom: Brownson, Vatican II, and the Path to a Catholic Republic

A Traditionalist with Political Realism

Orestes Brownson was one of the most important Catholic intellectuals in 19th-century America, a forceful writer who defended both the Magisterium of the Church and the principles of the American political system. A former Transcendentalist who converted to Catholicism in 1844, Brownson brought philosophical depth and historical perspective to the Catholic cause in the United States. He was a staunch traditionalist in faith, upholding the teachings of the Church against secularism and Protestant influences, yet he also rejected the idea that a confessional state—where Church and government are merged—was the ideal political arrangement.

Brownson argued that Catholicism should shape society, but not through a theocratic government. Instead, he saw America’s constitutional system as a practical safeguard for religious freedom. In his influential work The American Republic (1865), he wrote:

“The Church is not dependent on the state, nor the state on the Church; and yet both are in the divine order and must work together in harmony… But their harmony is not that of fusion or identity; it is the harmony of mutual independence and cooperation.”

He recognized the dangers of government control over religion, warning that it could lead to political corruption, spiritual complacency, and a weakened laity. He pointed to historical examples where state power over the Church resulted in compromises of doctrine, and where clergy, entangled in politics, became mere tools of the ruling authorities. Brownson wrote:

“A Church allied with the state becomes subservient to political ends, losing its spiritual mission in the struggle for power.”

At the same time, he rejected secularism and anti-Catholic liberalism, arguing that religion must inform public life and that a nation without moral principles would ultimately collapse. He believed that the American experiment could succeed only if rooted in a Christian moral order, warning:

“Liberty divorced from religion is license, and democracy without Christian virtue is the path to tyranny.”

While many Catholic thinkers of his time struggled with how to reconcile their faith with American republicanism, Brownson saw in the U.S. Constitution a model that could protect religious truth without state interference. His vision—both critical and appreciative of the American system—was prophetic, foreseeing the challenges that modern secularism would pose to Catholic life in the 20th and 21st centuries.

Many modern Traditionalist Catholics correctly defend dogmatic theology and the sacred liturgy, but they often lack historical perspective when it comes to political developments. Their criticisms of religious liberty frequently create a straw man argument, failing to recognize that both Brownson and Vatican II advocated a Catholic engagement with society that was neither secularist nor theocratic. If Traditionalists read Brownson alongside Dignitatis Humanae (1965), they would see the logic and consistency of this approach.