What is the Chicago Tribune thinking???

 

The Chicago Tribune has published a shocking article on our faith in France.

Here is part of it:

In France and in almost every other European country, Christianity appears to be in a free fall. Although up to 88 percent of the French identify themselves as Roman Catholic, only about 5 percent go to church on most Sundays; 60 percent say they "never" or "practically never" go.

But Islam is a thriving force. The 12 million to 15 million Muslims who live in Europe make up less than 5 percent of the total population, but the vitality of their faith has led some experts to predict that Islam will become the continent's dominant faith.

...

"Mass is boring," said Odon Vallet, a religion professor at the Sorbonne. "The ceremony isn't very beautiful; the music is bad; the sermon is uninteresting. Mass is for people who have nothing else to do on a Sunday--no sports, no hobbies, no shopping, no entertainment."

I guess Mr. Vallet has not been to a Mass in a long time because when I go I witness bread and wine become Jesus Christ. I watch the greatest of all miracles and commemorate the Sacrifice on the Cross. I take part in a event were souls are released from purgatory and graces pour forth like rays of light from the sun. I go there to receive the King of Heaven and earth. Mr. Vallet has no idea at all what he is talking about.

My priest gives excellent homilies usually. The music can also be so invigorating at some parishes like St. John Cantius in Chicago. And Paris is home to the beautiful St. Nicholas Parish.

I think it horrible that France, which was nearly destroyed in World War II, has forgotten that without God they would not be here today. It is horrible that people of there do not appreciate the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass.