Monday, November 12, 2007

Coming to America



After months of being away from the Cafeteria, something called me back today. Over breakfast this morning I heard the news that Pope Benedict XVI is planning a trip to the U.S. next Spring.

"High time," was my first thought.

"What will he see when he gets here?" was my second.

His agenda looks pretty heady for a five or six-day trip: meet the President of the United States at the White House on your 81st birthday; celebrate mass at one baseball stadium and attend a game at another; stop by the United Nations for a chat; celebrate your third papal anniversary with mass at St. Patrick's; and pay your respects at Ground Zero. Along the way they'll be visits with Bishops and educational leaders.

No doubt the pontiff will receive a warm welcome from the faithful from New York and Washington and others who make the pilgrimage for such a rare and important visit.

Will he see those of his flock who have suffered abuse from the 5,000 or more of the priests who have been exposed and have cost the Church nearly $3 billion to make restitution for those charges? Will he see those Catholics among us who are deeply divided on many issues including stem cell research, assisted reproductive technology, birth control and homosexuality?

Will his visit inspire those who wrestle with their faith as well as those who stand fervently in it? That, would be one powerful trip.

We shall see.

4 Comments:

At 1:01 PM, January 28, 2008, Anonymous Anonymous said...

I doubt he'll say anything encouraging around questionable issues.

In order for the Church to maintain it's authoritarian stance, it can't "go soft" on such issues as birth control, homosexuality, married priest, women's ordination, etc.

If it showed any flexibility in these areas, the Vatican would appear weak and lose control of the faithful.

Personally, I would like to see less control by the Vatican and more say by the laity.

Bob

 
At 6:17 AM, February 23, 2008, Anonymous Anonymous said...

He does that right now. You can read his Wednesday audiences and his homilies and writings on the Vatican Website.

 
At 10:32 PM, January 11, 2009, Anonymous Anonymous said...

He does what now at the Vatican website?

I keep praying that the Pope will get it - that God works in and through the people of the church. When the people ask for women priests, married priests, etc. I think it is God asking for them as well.

I also pray that the Pope will get it that he needs to apologize for the church and have the whole church do penance for its gross negligence in protecting children from serial child molesters. Appropriate penance: for a year - every mass will have intentions for the healing and restoration of faith for the victims, their parents, and their children.

 
At 1:45 PM, December 13, 2011, Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hi, just a note to thank you for this wonderful blog ... I've been a lapsed Catholic for many years, as I never knew there were many cafeteria Catholics like myself ... I'm struggling to find my way back but am troubled by all the vitriol I hear about who's a real Catholic/christian, etc. (always, of course, the people who agree 100% with that persons point of view). So great to see someone not afraid to voice the questions, challenge the rules, and still be a proud Catholic. Thank you!

 

Post a Comment

<< Home