Episode 17: Sunday Morning Roundtable with Dr Kwasniewski and Friends: Hyper-Papalism vs. Local Catholic Life

Host Dan Sevigny leads a Sunday morning roundtable at Sanctus Ranch with Dr. Peter Kwasniewski, Dr. Ed Schaefer, and Nick Cavazos discussing traditional Catholicism under Pope Leo XIV.

Pope Leo XIV: Early Assessment Six weeks into the new pontificate, panelists note widespread relief compared to the Francis era. Leo's speeches show marked improvement, though some appointments remain concerning. Will this be a "truce" or genuine restoration?

The Obedience Crisis Deep discussion on papal and episcopal authority limits. Dr. Kwasniewski argues Benedict XVI's "what was sacred remains sacred" established unchangeable dogmatic fact. Can bishops legitimately forbid approved liturgical practices like ad orientem worship?

Priestly Faculties and Latin Mass Complex canonical questions: Can bishops deny priests the right to celebrate traditional Mass? Dr. Schaefer argues priests with public faculties should celebrate any approved rite. Gray areas emerge in Church law regarding liturgical control.

Hyper-Papalism Problem Critique of treating papal statements as oracular pronouncements. Dr. Kwasniewski advocates returning to localized Catholic life, citing medieval Catholics who lived without knowing the Pope's identity. The danger of making papal commentary central to Catholic life.

High-Commitment Religion Sociological data shows high-commitment religions retain members while "low-commitment Catholicism" causes exodus. The Church's 60-year experiment with watered-down commitments has failed. Traditional communities demonstrate authentic discipleship's power.

Practical Family Guidance Parents must recognize Fourth Commandment duties for proper Catholic formation:

• Drive hours for traditional Mass
• Relocate near traditional communities
• Remove children from public schools (sinful except in grave circumstances)
• Daily catechesis with traditional resources
• Restrict harmful entertainment

Singles should consider relocating near established traditional communities for future family formation.

Beauty and Community Dr. Kwasniewski emphasizes surrounding ourselves with authentic beauty as spiritual nourishment. In an "unrelentingly ugly" world, Catholics must create transcendent beauty in homes and worship.

Dr. Schaefer stresses building Catholic community networks to support high-commitment living, especially when children face secular society.

Current Crisis Perspective Potentially the Church's worst crisis due to subtlety and chaos. Unlike past dogmatic controversies, current crisis involves unclear lines across doctrine, morals, and liturgy. The primordial heresy: questioning tradition's transmission and authority.

Call to Action: Focus on personal sanctification, seek beauty, build supportive communities, make sacrifices for authentic formation, and trust approved liturgical traditions over crisis obsession.

Learn More & Support Us:

RestoringChristianCulture.org

TheRCCI.org

Episode 16: Exposing the Canceled Priest Scandal with Father John Lovell

Hosts Marco Salinas and Dan Sevigny welcome Father John Lovell, a diocesan priest removed from ministry for 14 years despite no canonical penalties. The conversation exposes shocking financial mismanagement in Catholic nonprofits and announces two new organizations to support faithful priests.

The Canceled Priest Crisis Father Lovell represents thousands of priests removed for defending truth, tradition, or opposing mandates. Removed by Bishop Malloy in 2012 using "non-penal, non-judicial" procedures that sidestep canon law, he receives only $1,700 monthly from his diocese while the Vatican has ruled his removal cannot be permanent.

Financial Scandal Exposed Dan Sevigny's investigation of a prominent canceled priest organization's 990 tax forms reveals devastating mismanagement: only $42,747 reached 7 priests (averaging $6,000 each) - approximately 6 cents per dollar donated. Over $1.5 million sits unused while executive compensation remains high and financial transparency is nonexistent.

Coalition Collapse Father Lovell founded the organization but was removed as a scapegoat after attempting to implement proper financial controls, monthly reporting, and investment strategies. Despite purchasing housing for priests, the board evicted him after his removal, damaging his credit.

New Solutions Launched

Unprofitable Servants: Partnership between Father Lovell and RCC Initiative providing $10,000 annual grants plus up to $25,000 additional support (minimum $35,000 living wage) with complete transparency and monthly reporting. Website: unprofitableservants.org

Companions of St. John Fisher: Addressing priestly isolation through fraternity, housing, retreats, and community building. Inspired by SSPX priory models where priests live together during the week.

The Bigger Picture RCC Initiative has already provided over $100,000 in support to canceled priests, with plans for multiple "safe houses" nationwide. The mission extends beyond priest support to building Catholic communities around traditional education and forming the next generation.

Key Takeaways

• Learn to read 990 forms and hold Catholic nonprofits accountable
• Understand the systematic persecution of faithful priests by chancery officials
• Support transparent organizations with direct pass-through funding models
• Build alternative Catholic structures outside compromised diocesan systems

Resources:

• unprofitableservants.org - canceled priest fund
• thercci.org - Restoring Christian Culture Initiative
• restoringchristianculture.org - podcast reviews
• Crisis Magazine article by Dan Sevigny

Father Lovell's "Hope in the Desert" podcast returning soon.

Episode 15: From Evangelical to Traditional Catholic with Nick Cavazos

In this compelling episode, hosts Marco Salinas and Dan Sevigny welcome Nick Cavazos, a 27-year-old theology teacher, podcaster, and speaker who has become a prominent voice in traditional Catholic circles. Nick shares his unique conversion journey and offers insights into what's drawing young people to traditional Catholicism.

Key Topics Discussed:

Nick's Conversion Story

• Baptized Catholic at 3 months but raised evangelical Protestant
• Parents' spiritually mixed marriage and its impact on faith formation
• His journey through Calvinism and deep theological study
• The pivotal moment: attending his first Traditional Latin Mass at St. Mary's Cathedral in Austin
• How a Marian prayer experience and the beauty of the TLM led to his conversion

What Young People Want from Faith

• Three key desires: clarity, purpose, and authentic leadership
• How traditional generations failed to teach the value of suffering
• The impact of pornography and digital culture on young Catholics
• Why young people are drawn to "in your face Catholicism" that's uncompromisingly theocentric
• The generational swing back toward traditional values among young men

Teaching and Catholic Education

• Current role teaching theology online at Mother Divine Grace School
• Teaching eighth grade theology at St. Martin de Porres TLM community
• The shocking gaps in Catholic education: students not knowing basic prayers, Ten Commandments, or sacraments
• The failure of parents to engage in their children's faith formation
• Why homeschooled students generally arrive better prepared

SSPX Defense and Explanation

• Detailed history of Archbishop Lefebvre and the founding of SSPX in 1970
• The seminary crisis of the 1970s that prompted the traditional movement
• Canonical status clarification: not schismatic according to Rome
• The 1988 episcopal consecrations and subsequent reconciliation efforts
• Current relationship with Rome and universal faculties granted by Pope Francis

Practical Advice for Families

• How to find Traditional Latin Masses using websites like massoftheages.com
• The importance of making sacrifices and driving distances for authentic worship
• Why parents must be willing to study their faith and teach their children
• The role of fathers in spiritual leadership and its impact on children's retention

About Nick Cavazos: Nick Cavazos is a 27-year-old theology teacher, writer, and podcaster. He teaches online at Mother Divine Grace School and provides theology instruction for the Traditional Latin Mass community at St. Martin de Porres in Dripping Springs, Texas. Nick has written for publications including 1 Peter 5 and is a frequent guest on traditional Catholic podcasts. His academic background includes undergraduate and graduate studies in theology and scholasticism.

Previous Appearances at Sanctus Ranch: Nick has spoken at multiple events at Sanctus Ranch, including the Invictus Men's Conference and serving as the commencement speaker for Lumen Christi Academy's graduation ceremony.

Resources Mentioned:

• MassOfTheAges.com - for finding Traditional Latin Mass locations
• SSPX website for chapel locations
• Baltimore Catechism for basic Catholic formation
• St. Thomas Aquinas's Summa Theologica
• Kennedy Hall's book defending SSPX
• Scott Hahn's "The Fourth Cup"

Connect with RCC:

• Website: RestoringChristianCulture.org