This retreat to the past indicates a profound lack of confidence on the part of these frightened clerics. Apparently they have nothing of value to offer for our times. The "good ol' days"--  which were never that good -- . were not experienced by them. This sad retreat is just another pathetic attempt by these clerics to be held in a respect that they never earned. As I have said before, while it will not happen in our lifetimes, if Catholic Christianity is to survive, its next iteration will be without clergy.