The Tridentine rite, or the procedure for conducting Mass, originated in 1570 when Pope St. Pius V, following the counsel of the Ecumenical Council of Trent, which is why it is termed “Tridentine,” ordered its adoption in the Western Church.

This mandate was in effect until 1969, when Pope St. Paul VI, upon the recommendation of the Second Vatican Council, introduced a new rite.

The majority of Catholics today are more acquainted with the rituals established by Paul VI in 1969, which have become the standard throughout this nation and, in fact, globally, within what is referred to as the “Western Church.” Numerous popes, who followed Paul VI, implemented their changes and established their stipulations, with the most recent being Pope Francis. who in 2021 restricted the use of the Tridentine rite.

That is the context. This is the crux. Numerous Catholics, although the exact figure is unclear (but seemingly a small faction), favor practicing their faith following the Tridentine rite. Harrison Butker is not the sole young Catholic who holds this view.

A few weeks prior, Our Sunday Visitor published a study that showed that numerous young priests are increasingly drawn to the Tridentine rite of the Mass.

The purpose of this column is not to go back over historical events, nor to question why Pius V made his choices, or what influenced Paul VI’s resolution, or what prompted Benedict XVI’s actions, or Francis’s decisions. In no conceivable manner is this a challenge to the ultimate liturgical authority of any pope. Outlining specifics for, and overseeing, the celebration of Mass in any location is the prerogative of the Roman pontiff. End of story.

It states that for the spiritual benefit of Catholics and the success of the Church’s pastoral outreach, it is essential to understand exactly why the traditional approach resonates, particularly with certain young Catholics.

What motivates dedicated, pious, intelligent young Catholics like Harrison Butker to make the effort to visit a particular church on a specific day and time to participate in Mass in the Tridentine rite? A response could assist Catholics in understanding the Mass more profoundly. Bishops and priests might be more effective in persuading individuals that the Mass is the core of spiritual existence and the fountain of grace essential for every soul.

Perhaps research is an initiative for local dioceses, the national Church, Catholic universities, or even the Holy See, but we need to be aware.

Harrison Butker shared another facet of his life within the Church with journalists. This, too, brings up a relevant point. He did not go to a Catholic secondary school. Following high school, he enrolled at Georgia Tech, which is a state-run public institution in Georgia. It has no ties to any religion. It is not Notre Dame or Franciscan University located in Steubenville, Ohio.

Butker states that during his time at Georgia Tech, he developed a bond with the Catholic campus ministry, and with the priest who served as the Catholic campus minister, and he discovered a revitalized sense of purpose in his beliefs.

His narrative parallels those recounted by other young Catholics at public universities who discover spiritual support at Catholic campus centers. Enhancing these centers should be a key organizational focus for the Church in this nation.

It is required by the future.

Msgr. Owen F. Campion is OSV’s chaplain.