Breaking with the Past; Or, Catholic Principles Abandoned at the Reformation

In the early weeks of Advent 1913, a distinguished English Benedictine abbot took the pulpit of St. Patrick’s Cathedral to deliver a series of four sermons that trace the Catholic principles set aside during the Reformation. Drawing on undisputed documentary evidence, he presents a clear, unembellished narrative of the historical forces that reshaped English and Irish Christianity, inviting listeners to see beyond polemics and appreciate the depth of the changes that occurred.

The talks focus on the supremacy of the Pope, the sacrificial nature of the Mass, the permanence of the priesthood, and the notion of a universal Church—core ideas that the speaker argues were systematically stripped away by legislative reforms. Framed within the hopeful atmosphere of early‑20th‑century ecumenical yearning, the sermons aim to foster understanding and dialogue, encouraging both Catholics and non‑Catholics to reflect on the lasting impact of those centuries‑old decisions.