Vatican City, Oct 12, 2012 / 03:00 am
Cardinal Timothy Dolan of New York addressed the Synod of Bishops on the New Evangelization at the Vatican on Oct. 11, speaking about how positive and negative aspects of life in the U.S. affect the prospects of the Catholic Church flourishing.
"Perhaps because of our youth, we have many reasons for hope and promise," he said, comparing the Catholic Church in the U.S. to the ancient Christian presence in the Middle East and Europe.
He said the U.S. is "actually very religious," citing high belief in God and the divinity of Jesus Christ. The country also benefits "immensely" from the immigration of devout Catholics from Latin America, the Caribbean, Africa and Asia.
"They bring us wonderful people with a vibrant faith, strong families, who, upon arrival in America, search for welcoming parishes, where they are faithful to Sunday Mass and the sacraments," he said.