There is also a generational change going on. The aging liberal post-Vatican II generation is dying out. A lot of their children probably have simply dropped out of the Church and are simply “post-religious” herd-following liberal sheep. For those of the younger generation who are still in the Church, I believe they want something more meaty than feel good warmed over left-wing “social justice” platitudes, and since the seminaries starting with John Paul II have been turning out more orthodox clergy, that helps matters. The younger generation wants the real Jesus and more of that old time religion, IMO.
Bishop Kevin Van now has more than 30 seminarians in Fort Worth. he actually believes in the priesthood, and he shows the way by his constant visits to parishes. Now on his way to be bishop of Orange,California. Too bad we can’t clone him. Reminds me of the best post-tridentine bishops.