Catholic Review Online: Pope’s message one of hope for U.S., Baltimore

Archbishop Edwin O'Brien posts his weekly article in the Catholic Review in "Thoughts on Our Church" to the Catholic faithful of the Archdiocese. His Excellency recalls his experiences with the Holy Father during the Papal visit. Here is a short snippet:

And in the relatively few major addresses, the Holy Father proclaimed that message unmistakably to Catholics and non-Catholics alike, ever sensitive to the beliefs of others in his audiences. So densely packed with theological and spiritual insights, his addresses will have to be re-read and studied in the weeks ahead in order to mine their rich content.

Equally important and meaningful as were his words, was his very presence and the intangible magnetism which drew millions to see and listen in person or through the media which offered generous coverage. Not only did we flock to see him, but he reached out with the Good Shepherd’s concern to those who might otherwise be overlooked: the victims of clergy sexual abuse, handicapped children, the survivors and mourners of victims of the Sept. 11 attacks at ground zero.

On several occasions the Holy Father pointed to the historical and foundational role which the Church of Baltimore has played for more than 200 years since the formal beginnings of American Catholicism. In addressing the bishops of our country, he recalled “with admiration and gratitude the life and ministry of John Carroll, the first Bishop of Baltimore – a worthy leader of the Catholic community in your newly independent nation. His tireless efforts to spread the Gospel in the vast territory under his care laid the foundations for the ecclesial life of your country and enabled the Church in America to grow to maturity.”

Read the entire article here.