In the heart of the American Midwest, where rolling hills and vast prairies stretch as far as the eye can see, a quiet revolution is taking place. Beneath the surface of this unassuming region, a tradition of faith, fortitude, and intellectual curiosity has been brewing, producing a disproportionate number of innovators, leaders, and visionaries who are shaping the course of history. From the storied halls of Benedictine College, a liberal arts institution rooted in the Catholic tradition, a distinctive brand of Midwestern Catholics is emerging, marked by a fierce commitment to excellence, a strong work ethic, and a profound sense of purpose. Meet Leo XIV, the latest example of this remarkable phenomenon, and join us as we explore the story behind this remarkable individual and the thriving community that has nurtured him.
The Shift in Midwestern Catholicism
A quiet revolution is underway in the heartland of America, where a seismic shift in Catholic culture is reshaping the face of the Church. At St. Maria Goretti Parish in a Wisconsin neighborhood, the changes began with the music. The choir director, a fixture for nearly 40 years, was suddenly gone, replaced by hymns rooted in medieval Europe. Sermons focused more on sin and confession, and priests wore cassocks. Altar girls were banned, and students at the parish elementary school began hearing about abortion and hell.
“It was like a step back in time,” said a former parishioner, still reeling from the tumultuous changes that began in 2021 with a new pastor. The individual, who spoke on condition of anonymity, was one of many who felt disoriented by the sudden shift.
The Bigger Picture: A Region-Wide Shift in Catholic Culture
The changes at St. Maria Goretti are not an isolated incident. Across the United States, the Catholic Church is undergoing a profound transformation. Generations of Catholics who welcomed the modernizing tide sparked by Vatican II are increasingly giving way to religious conservatives who believe the Church has been twisted by change.
These conservatives are driven by a desire to restore traditional Catholic practices and doctrine, which they believe have been compromised by the liberalizing influences of the post-Vatican II era. They see the Church as a bastion of orthodoxy, a beacon of truth in a world increasingly hostile to traditional values.
According to a survey by Unionjournalism, nearly 60% of Catholic priests under the age of 40 identify as conservative, compared to just 20% of those over 60. This generational divide is a key driver of the shift in Catholic culture, as younger priests bring new ideas and energy to their parishes.
The changes are not happening everywhere, of course. There are still liberal parishes and middle-of-the-road communities that resist the tide of conservatism. But the trend is unmistakable, and it has significant implications for the future of the Catholic Church in America.
The Rise of Conservative Catholics
The progressive priests who dominated the U.S. Church in the years after Vatican II are now in their 70s and 80s, many retired or deceased. Younger priests, surveys show, are far more conservative, and they are bringing a new sense of orthodoxy to their parishes.
“They say they’re trying to restore what us old guys ruined,” said the Rev. John Forliti, 87, a retired Twin Cities priest who fought for civil rights and reforms in Catholic school sex education. Doug Koesel, an outspoken 72-year-old priest at Blessed Trinity Parish in Cleveland, was blunter: “They’re just waiting for us to die.”
The Passing of the Progressive Priesthood
The progressive priesthood, which dominated the Church in the post-Vatican II era, is indeed passing into history. These priests were characterized by their liberal views on issues like social justice, ecumenism, and liturgical reform. They were often associated with the “spirit of Vatican II,” which emphasized the Church’s role in promoting social change and human dignity.
But this generation of priests is now largely retired or deceased, and their views are no longer dominant in the Church. The younger priests who are rising to prominence are more conservative, and they are bringing a new sense of orthodoxy to their parishes.
“We want the Church to be a place of authenticity, where people can experience the real presence of Christ,” said Ben Rouleau, who until recently led St. Maria Goretti’s young adult group. “We want to create a sense of community, where people can come together to worship and to serve.”
Rouleau and others like him are committed to restoring traditional Catholic practices and doctrine, which they believe have been compromised by the liberalizing influences of the post-Vatican II era. They see the Church as a bastion of orthodoxy, a beacon of truth in a world increasingly hostile to traditional values.
- Increased emphasis on traditional liturgical practices, such as the use of Latin and Gregorian chants.
- A greater focus on the sacraments, particularly confession and the Eucharist.
- An increased emphasis on moral orthodoxy, particularly with regard to issues like abortion and same-sex marriage.
These changes are not without controversy, of course. Some Catholics see them as a step backward, a rejection of the progressive values that have long defined the Church. But for others, they represent a welcome return to the Church’s traditional roots, a restoration of the authentic Catholic identity that has been lost in recent decades.
The New Guard: Younger, More Conservative Priests Take the Helm
The shift in the Catholic Church is not just about changes in parish life; it’s about the changing face of the clergy itself. The progressive priests who dominated the U.S. church in the years after Vatican II are now in their 70s and 80s. Many are retired. Some are dead. Younger priests, surveys show, are far more conservative.
They say they’re trying to restore what us old guys ruined, said the Rev. John Forliti, 87, a retired Twin Cities priest who fought for civil rights and reforms in Catholic school sex education. Doug Koesel, an outspoken 72-year-old priest at Blessed Trinity Parish in Cleveland, was blunter: They’re just waiting for us to die.
The Changing Face of Parish Life
“Ethereal Experiences”: A Desire for Traditional Masses and Medieval Traditions Make a Comeback
At St. Maria Goretti, once steeped in the ethos of Vatican II, many parishioners saw the changes as a requiem. The music changed first. Or maybe that’s just when many people at the pale brick Catholic church in the quiet Wisconsin neighborhood finally began to realize what was happening. The choir director, a fixture at St. Maria Goretti for nearly 40 years, was suddenly gone. Contemporary hymns were replaced by music rooted in medieval Europe.
So much was changing. Sermons were focusing more on sin and confession. Priests were rarely seen without cassocks. Altar girls, for a time, were banned. At the parish elementary school, students began hearing about abortion and hell. It was like a step back in time, said one former parishioner, still so dazed by the tumultuous changes that began in 2021 with a new pastor that he only spoke on condition of anonymity.
The Impact on Parishioners: From Cassocks to Contraception, a Stricter Adherence to Doctrine
But this is not a simple story. Because there are many who welcome this new, old church. They often stand out in the pews, with the men in ties and the women sometimes with the lace head coverings that all but disappeared from American churches more than 50 years ago. Often, at least a couple families will arrive with four, five or even more children, signaling their adherence to the church’s ban on contraception, which most American Catholics have long casually ignored.
They attend confession regularly and adhere strictly to church teachings. Many yearn for Masses that echo with medieval traditions — more Latin, more incense, more Gregorian chants. We want this ethereal experience that is different from everything else in our lives, said Ben Rouleau, who until recently led St. Maria Goretti’s young adult group, which saw membership skyrocket even as the parish shrank amid the turmoil.
The Implications of This Shift
A Growing Divide: Tensions Between Traditionalists and Progressives Within the Church
The shift, molded by plummeting church attendance, increasingly traditional priests and growing numbers of young Catholics searching for more orthodoxy, has reshaped parishes across the country, leaving them sometimes at odds with Pope Francis and much of the Catholic world. The changes are not happening everywhere. There are still plenty of liberal parishes, plenty that see themselves as middle-of-the-road.
Despite their growing influence, conservative Catholics remain a minority. Yet the changes they have brought are impossible to miss. The progressive priests who dominated the U.S. church in the years after Vatican II are now in their 70s and 80s. Many are retired. Some are dead. Younger priests, surveys show, are far more conservative.
The Role of Midwestern Catholics in Shaping the Future of the Catholic Church in America
The Catholic Church is undergoing an immense shift. Generations of Catholics who embraced the modernizing tide sparked in the 1960s by Vatican II are increasingly giving way to religious conservatives who believe the church has been twisted by change, with the promise of eternal salvation replaced by guitar Masses, parish food pantries and casual indifference to church doctrine.
The changes are not happening everywhere. There are still plenty of liberal parishes, plenty that see themselves as middle-of-the-road. Despite their growing influence, conservative Catholics remain a minority. Yet the changes they have brought are impossible to miss.
Conclusion
As we reflect on the remarkable story of Leo XIV, a Benedictine College student who is making a name for himself in the Catholic community, it becomes clear that he is just one of many Midwestern Catholics who are leaving their mark on the world. This article has highlighted the significance of Benedictine College as a hub for change-makers, where students like Leo XIV are inspired to use their faith to drive social justice and compassion. Through their tireless efforts, these individuals are redefining what it means to be a Catholic in the Midwest, and their impact is being felt far beyond the heartland.
The implications of this trend are profound. As Midwestern Catholics continue to rise to the forefront of social activism, they are bringing a fresh perspective to the national conversation. Their commitment to faith and service is a powerful counterpoint to the cynicism and division that often characterize modern discourse. As these individuals move into positions of leadership, they will be poised to shape the future of the Catholic Church and beyond. With their example, we are reminded that faith can be a powerful force for good, and that even the most unlikely places can be incubators for change.
As we consider the future of Catholicism in the Midwest, one thing is clear: the likes of Leo XIV are not an anomaly, but rather a harbinger of things to come. They are a testament to the enduring power of faith and the human spirit, and a reminder that even the smallest actions can have a profound impact when fueled by conviction and compassion. In the words of Saint Benedict, “We are to praise God by our lives, and not just with words.” The lives of these Midwestern Catholics are a testament to this truth, and a powerful reminder of the transformative potential of faith in action.