Fighting Modernism by Upholding Catholic Tradition

"Indeed, the true friends of the people are neither revolutionaries, nor innovators: they are promoters of tradition." – St. Pius X

The Catholic Church has stood for over two millennia, not as a relic of the past, but as the living Body of Christ, sustained by the timeless truths passed down from the Apostles. In an age where modernism seeks to dismantle the sacred and redefine truth to fit the whims of the world, we must stand firm in our Catholic tradition. As St. Paul exhorts us in Scripture, “Therefore, stand firm, brethren, and hold fast to the traditions that you have been taught, whether by word of mouth or by a letter of ours” (2 Thessalonians 2:15). This command is not mere sentimentality—it is a divine directive to preserve and safeguard the deposit of faith entrusted to us.

Modernism, as condemned by Pope St. Pius X in Pascendi Dominici Gregis, is a grave threat to the integrity of Catholicism. It undermines the faith by reducing divine revelation to subjective experience, prioritising personal opinion over sacred doctrine. This error erodes belief in the Real Presence, distorts Church teachings on morality, and fosters an irreverent approach to liturgy. Where modernism flourishes, there follows a loss of faith, a crisis in vocations, and a collapse of traditional values within families and communities.

The fruits of modernism are evident in today’s world: rampant secularism, moral relativism, and a desacralised liturgy that prioritises human preference over divine worship. When the sacred is treated as mundane, reverence diminishes, and faith weakens. This is why upholding Catholic tradition is not simply a matter of preference—it is essential for the salvation of souls.

While we may not be able to reform the Church on a global scale, we can preserve and strengthen tradition in our own lives and communities. Here are practical ways to combat modernism and uphold the faith:

1. Deepen Our Knowledge of the Faith – Read the Catechism, the writings of the Church Fathers, and papal encyclicals. Understand the errors of modernism so that you can resist them.

2. Embrace the Traditional Latin Mass – The reverence and solemnity of the Traditional Latin Mass reflect the Church’s timeless devotion to God. Attending it when possible strengthens our spiritual life and roots us in sacred tradition.

3. Restore Reverence in Worship – Whether at the Latin Mass or the Novus Ordo, approach the liturgy with deep reverence. Receive Holy Communion on the tongue, dress modestly, and participate with an attitude of prayer. 

4. Sanctify Our Homes – Create a domestic church by praying the Rosary daily, fostering devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, and teaching children the truths of the faith.

5. Reject Worldly Influences – Avoid entertainment and media that promote secularism and immorality. Instead, seek out Catholic literature, music, and films that uplift the soul.

6. Defend the Truth – Do not be afraid to speak up against errors and promote Catholic teaching in conversations, on social media, and in our communities.

Catholic tradition is not a relic of the past; it is the foundation upon which our faith stands. To abandon it is to cut ourselves off from the richness of the Church’s history, wisdom, and sanctity. As faithful Catholics, we must be vigilant against modernist errors and remain steadfast in upholding tradition, for in doing so, we preserve the faith for future generations and honour Christ, who is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8). Let us take to heart the words of St. Pius X and become true friends of the people by promoting—not abandoning—the sacred traditions of our Holy Mother Church.