Where the Rubber Hits the Road

One of the greatest initiatives of Pope John Paul II was the establishment of World Youth Days. These are annual events where Catholic youth are invited to gather in one place to celebrate their faith and learn how to become faithful Catholics throughout their adult life. This year the event is being held in Madrid, Spain. Our little Diocese of Pembroke has sent a delegation of enthusiastic youths to these events throughout the years, with fantastic reports being shared in the parishes upon their return. We look forward to hearing from these young Catholics when they return from Spain. Pope B16 greet youth at 2008 World Youth Days WYD Countdown: 48 Days to Go | Daily News | NCRegister.com

Another tidbit of evidence of this rising tide of hostility to voices of faith. PLEASE NOTE: I am NOT claiming that this is the situation for all Christians. What I am saying is that there is a growth in the number of such incidents within Europe and now beginning in North America. Pope B16 recently said that Christians were the single most persecuted group in the world these days. Given the slaughter that has been occurring in the Middle East, Asia and Africa at the hands of Muslim extremists and the intimidation proffered believers in Europe, it would seem that he stands on solid ground with this assertion. JPII called the 20th century the century of martyrs. B16 is right to point out that the beginning of the 21st has not seen any improvement - if anything, the times are worse now than even a few years ago. "Father, forgive them" Should Christians be worried? Should we be surprised at this ominous trend? If we believe the Bible, the answer is clearly 'no...

I pray that Canada and the USA will heed these lesson being offered in Europe and will be more demanding of Muslims to respect the rules of our cultures. If we follow the path of pure appeasement as Europe has done (although France is trying if not yet succeeding in this struggle) we will face these same crises here. Religious tolerance is key in our countries... tolerance tied to respect for the law (including property laws).  Catholic Culture : Latest Headlines : Muslim demonstration inside cathedral was not offensive to Catholics, Spanish court rules