Pope Francis has given a slap on the wrist ..or more like a punch on the chin to German Bishops on their ad limina visit to Rome. Among other things he said: 'One notes in particular in traditionally Catholic regions a very strong decline in participation at Sunday Mass, not to mention the sacramental life. Where in the 1960’s everywhere just about all the faithful still participated at Holy Mass every Sunday, today there are often less than 10 percent. Ever fewer people seek the sacraments. The Sacrament of Penance has almost disappeared. Ever fewer Catholics receive Confirmation or contract Catholic Matrimony. The number of vocations to priestly ministry and the consecrated life has sharply diminished. In consideration of these facts, one can speak truly of an erosion of the Catholic Faith in Germany. Noting the sacraments are approached “less often” (a survey released earlier this year showed 54% of Germany’s priests go to Confession just once a year or less), and that vocations have “significantly diminished”, the Pope said the solution depends upon overcoming “paralyzing resignation”. Turning now our attention to parochial communities, in which one experiences and lives the faith in a greater way, the sacramental life must be at the heart of the Bishop in a special way. I would like to underscore only two points: confession and the Eucharist. The Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy, which is about to start, offers the opportunity to bring about the rediscovery of the Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation. Confession is the place where one receives as a gift the forgiveness and the mercy of God. In confession there begins the transformation of every single member of the faithful and the reform of the Church. I hope that greater attention will be given to this sacrament, so important for a spiritual renewal in diocesan and parochial pastoral planning, during the Holy Year and also after. It is also necessary to put into evidence always the intimate connection between the Eucharist and priesthood. Pastoral plans that do not give adequate importance to priests in their ministry of governing teaching and sanctifying in regard to the structures and the sacramental life of the church, on the basis of experience are destined for failure. The precious collaboration of the lay faithful above all where vocations are lacking cannot become a surrogate for priestly ministry or make it even seem simply to be optional. Without the priest there is no Eucharist.' I note Fr Z's suggestion that this may have been written by Pope Benedict for the Holy Father, who knows? http://wdtprs.com/blog/
The "Recent Posts" listing at the bottom of the page has behaved strangely for approaching two years in my opinion: Can anyone confirm this is true for them: The list offered will VARY depending on which is the thread above! For me in this case it has proved a blessing. For it pointed to this thread in third place as most recent, when i visited the forum just now. This is a post that could most happily be reposted in my Positive critique of Pope Francis thread. Thanks Padraig.
I have notcied on the internet generally being guided to places that are totally unexpected but delightful . Especially on utube. I wonder if anyone else has seen the same thing?
This address by Pope Francis could be given to many Bishops in the western world. We the laity need to pray much for our church leaders and for vocations that are so lacking. One little light this Christmas was the long queue for confession on Christmas Eve. Many younger people were going to confession so I think the Year of Mercy will have a big impact.
