Digital Presence and Online Discourse
Overview
The CMRI and related traditionalist Catholic organizations maintain significant online presence through websites, social media accounts, and digital platforms. This online activity serves multiple functions including recruitment, education, community building, and doctrinal promotion. The digital landscape also includes critical voices from former members and outside observers.
Contemporary traditionalist Catholic online discourse reflects broader patterns of digital religious communication, including regular content production, engagement with current events, and development of geographically dispersed communities connected through digital platforms.
Official and Affiliated Supportive Platforms
Primary Organizational Resources
- CMRI.org: Official organizational website containing doctrinal materials, service schedules, and institutional information
- Catholic Family Podcast: YouTube channel operated by the Davis family, featuring educational and devotional content
- Traditional Catholic Sermons: Archive of sermons and religious instruction materials
Commentary and Analysis Platforms
- Novus Ordo Watch: Daily commentary site operated by Mario Derksen, focusing on sedevacantist perspectives on contemporary Catholic issues
- Catholic Wire: News aggregation and commentary platform curated by Fr. Carlos Zepeda
- Daily Catholic: Long-running traditionalist Catholic website featuring daily content and commentary
Academic and Theological Resources
- Dr. Peter Chojnowski: Academic blog by faculty member at ICA (SSPX) who also attends CMRI chapels. Also operates Sister Lucy Truth
- John S. Daly: Traditional Catholic theological and historical writings
- Griff Ruby: Theological analysis and commentary from sedevacantist perspective
Social Media Presence
Various CMRI-affiliated individuals maintain active social media accounts, particularly on Twitter/X, promoting organizational viewpoints and engaging with broader traditionalist Catholic online communities. These accounts often intersect with conservative political discourse and traditional Catholic devotional content.
Independent and Critical Platforms
Former Member Perspectives
- Patrick Henry: Extensive documentation and criticism of CMRI practices by former member, including archived audio materials from the 1984 crisis
- Francie Urban Radecki: Personal blog by former CMRI member documenting experiences and family history within the organization
- David O'Neil: Commentary by descendant of early CMRI member family, focusing on various topics including Biblical analysis
Alternative Traditionalist Perspectives
- Betrayed Catholics: "Home alone" traditionalist perspective by Teresa Stanfill Benns, critical of various traditionalist organizations including CMRI
- Most Holy Family Monastery: Dimond Brothers' platform promoting their particular interpretation of traditionalist Catholicism, often critical of other traditionalist groups
- Sedevacantist Delusion: Critical analysis of sedevacantist positions from SSPX and Eastern Orthodox perspectives
Independent Chapel Operations
- Traditio: San Francisco-based independent traditionalist chapel with daily commentary and critique of various traditionalist organizations
- Catholic Research Institute: Spokane-area traditionalist organization operating independently from CMRI despite geographic proximity
Specialized Interest Platforms
Apocalyptic and Prophetic Focus
- Catholic Endtime Truths: Focus on apocalyptic themes and end-times prophecy from traditionalist Catholic perspective
- Richard Ibranyi: Independent religious commentary claiming exclusive authority
Political and Cultural Commentary
- Christ or Chaos: Political and religious commentary by Thomas A. Droleskey, operating independently while maintaining traditionalist Catholic positions
- Tradition in Action: Cultural commentary and devotional materials by Marian Horvat, with historical connections to Tradition, Family and Property (TFP) movement
Papal Claimant Websites
Several individuals have maintained websites claiming papal authority, including the late David Bawden ("Pope Michael") and Lucian Pulvermacher ("Pope Pius XIII"). These represent extreme positions within traditionalist Catholic discourse.
Research and Analysis Considerations
Digital Archaeology and Documentation
Many traditionalist Catholic websites represent significant historical documentation of organizational development, theological debates, and personal accounts. However, website maintenance, security certificates, and design updates vary significantly between platforms.
Network Analysis
Online traditionalist Catholic discourse demonstrates complex networks of mutual support, criticism, and ideological differentiation. These relationships often reflect broader organizational alliances and conflicts within traditionalist Catholic movements.
Content Analysis Patterns
Common themes across traditionalist Catholic online platforms include:
- Critique of post-Vatican II Catholic developments
- Historical documentation and interpretation
- Theological analysis and commentary
- Community building and devotional guidance
- Current events interpretation through traditionalist frameworks
Contemporary Digital Trends
Recent developments in traditionalist Catholic online presence include increased use of video platforms, podcast formats, and social media engagement. These technological adaptations reflect broader patterns of religious digital communication while maintaining focus on themes established during earlier periods of traditionalist Catholic development.
The geographic dispersion of traditionalist Catholic communities has made digital platforms particularly important for maintaining institutional coherence and community connections across long distances.