Traditionalism in France

The French traditional organisation, Paix Liturgique, has published some interesting facts about the state of the Church in France, and the increasing influence of the traditional movement.

In 2009, 15 priests were ordained specifically to for the usus antiquior, and this represents 14% of the total number of priests ordained. This presumably means that the total number of ordinations was around 107.

There are 160 seminarians studying for the priesthood, who are destined to celebrate in the usus antiquior. This is, apparently, 20% of the total, meaning that the total is 800. Paix Liturgique indicate that this percentage is rising and anticipate that it will reach 25%.

The number of places where Mass is celebrated in the usus antiquior has increased by 72, from 132 to 204. This is an increase of 55%, but the period over which this has been achieved is not specified. In addition, the SSPX have 184 Mass centres.

These look impressive figures. Perhaps the major breakthrough that has occurred in France, but is yet to happen in England, is in the Diocese of Frejus Toulon. The seminary of this diocese teaches both forms of the Roman Rite, and encourages students who favour the usus antiquior.