The end of the Marian Franciscans
The quiet dissolution of the Marian Franciscans marks the end of one of the most intriguing and symbolically important traditional Catholic apostolates to emerge in Britain during the pontificate of Pope Francis. The official statements released by the community itself, alongside subsequent statements from the Dioceses of Dunkeld and Portsmouth, are restrained, sorrowful and carefully ecclesial in tone. There are no accusations, no denunciations, no appeals to factional outrage. Instead there is gratitude, obedience, prayer and an unmistakable sense of grief. Yet underneath that restraint lies a profound story about the state of the Church in post Francis Catholicism and the increasingly fractured ecclesial culture which now exists within diocesan life itself. Read my full report here .