"Church-political dispute": Superior of the Philip Neri Institute on restrictions on confirmations in the Old Rite

Provost Marco Piranty ISPN of the traditional St. Philip Neri Institute sees strains from the massive restrictions on the traditional liturgy imposed by Pope Francis, especially with regard to the administration of confirmation. Piranty spoke to kath.net this week.

Although Francis clarified in a communiqué that Ecclesia Dei Institutes – communities associated with Rome since 1988 and practicing the traditional liturgy – are exempt from the restrictions, "circles in Rome" claim the opposite, which makes the search for bishops willing to accept confirmation more difficult.

The St. Philip Neri Institute in Berlin is permitted to continue celebrating the traditional Mass under certain conditions, even though Pope Francis severely restricted the use of the old liturgy with his motu proprio Traditionis custodes in 2021. The community enjoys special regulations due to its status under canon law.

"I have the impression that a church-political dispute is being waged here at the expense of the – mostly young – confirmation candidates. One can only hope that a solution will soon be found that pays more attention to the spiritual needs of the faithful," criticized Piranty.

The St. Philip Neri Institute was founded over 20 years ago with significant support from then-Cardinal Josef Ratzinger. Piranty emphasized that Ratzinger considered its founding a "true matter of the heart."

"We were established by Rome more quickly, with full papal prerogative, than almost any other community," said Piranty. The combination of the traditional liturgy with the "joy of faith and cheerfulness, with the serenity and humor of St. Philip Neri" particularly appealed to the future Pope Benedict XVI. The location of Berlin was important to him, as foundations in capital cities could serve as a "beacon."

Despite aggressive protests by left-wing extremist groups at the "March for Life," Piranty described the relationship with Berliners as positive. The population, often considered "snotty," is tolerant: "Here, as a priest, you're not stared at on the subway like elsewhere. At the same time, they're very open and interested."

The distinctive cassock, the traditional priestly vestment, even serves as a starting point for conversation. "And in our neighborhood, we're well-integrated and as well-known as the proverbial 'colorful dog,'" he joked.

Piranty offered a differentiated view of the future of the German Church: While synodal processes and committees could cause "anxiety and fear," parishes like St. Afra, the branch of the St. Philip Neri Institute in Berlin, demonstrated a vibrant life of faith.

"The unadulterated Catholic faith, when it isn't watered down beyond recognition, has an uncanny appeal, especially to young people," he emphasized. The "radical theocentrism" of the Latin liturgy conveys to young people that it's "about Jesus and His plan"—not about pleasing others. Despite small congregations, he relies on biblical images such as the "mustard seed," which grows over time.

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