“I discovered a tremendous vitality…”

And so it was. Not only did Benedict XVI have a pronounced effect (positively for most) on American Catholics… the Pope was also “confirmed in hope by American Catholics.” According to ZENIT, the Pontiff, “discovered a tremendous vitality and a decisive will to live and to witness to the faith in Jesus.” among American Catholics.

Is it any wonder? Despite the shortage of priestly vocations, the American Catholic Church has grown from some 26 million in 15,553 parishes in 1950 to over 61 million in nearly 20,000 parishes in the U.S today. Benedict has the vision to see the Church in its true context: meeting the challenges of a secularized society in which religion is so often marginalized.

Stay tuned… that vitality is truly the flame of the Holy Spirit at work each day in our diverse and gifted community of believers.