Given the faith itself, we have structures, canonical structures. The liturgy has a secondary meaning and importance. First, it is faith. We have to keep our Catholic faith, the traditional liturgy, and good catechesis. The structure is only secondary. For example, I used to live in an underground church. There was hardly any structure due to the persecution, and yet we deeply lived our faith. Priests came to us to celebrate mass.
In the first centuries, parishes and dioceses were very large, and over time, they became smaller due to practical reasons. Usually, a diocese should be small to have a bigger possibility for the bishop to be closer to his priests and faithful, and this is important because he is the pastor – he is the shepherd.
If people are convinced that it would be better for a diocese to be smaller and should not be closed or dissolved, then they can express their views to the authorities, the nuncio, and the Holy See, and then accept their decision. We have to accept their decision because it is not a decision of faith. Likewise, in the parishes, we have to accept these decisions because it is more of a practical question than of faith.
If their parish is closed, they will be united with other parishes. What is important is that they have the traditional mass and if necessary, they can travel because, in the United States, it is easier to travel compared to other countries where people do not have connections.
I repeat I think we have to stress more the importance of the faith, the liturgy, and catechesis. If God asks us to travel a little bit farther, then we have to accept this.
Dear visitors of Gloria Dei and all who have already written or who will write a personal message to me. I am grateful for your attention, your kindness, for your spiritual support and especially for your sacrifices and prayers for me. God may reward you!
