Well, I think you'll find that the root of all your difficulties is that you seem not to be able to get into your head that the world is really and intelligently Christian.
There are the Religious Orders you spoke of.

Well, aren't the active Religious Orders the very finest form of association ever invented?
Aren't they exactly what Socialists have always been crying for, with the blunders left out and the gaps filled in?
As soon as the world understood finally that the active Religious Orders could beat all other forms of association at their own game--that they could teach and work more cheaply and effectively, and so on--well, the most foolish Political Economist had to confess that the Religious Orders made for the country's welfare.

And as for the Contemplative Orders----" Father Jervis' face grew grave and tender.
"Yes ?" "Why, they're the princes of the world! They are models of the Crucified.

So long as there is Sin in the world, so long must there be Penance.

The instant Christianity was accepted, the Cross stood up dominant once more.