It’s a shame that negative news gets the headlines, the front pages of our newspapers, the most hits on the Internet, the most tweets. But there is an extraordinary amount of good news and good people that never get acknowledged because the negative overpowers the positive in this world. It may be gratifying to realize that billions of people do no physical harm, and accomplish much philanthropic and humanitarian work. The really good news in all this, and the best hope for the world, consists of the countless men and women who give of themselves daily on behalf of the poor, the defenseless and the neglected; who devote themselves each day to lighting candles instead of cursing the darkness; who build up and don’t tear down. This notion has hit me hard when we hear about the abuse scandals by a few priests, even bishops and cardinals. But it’s important to remember that in this world, while we are constantly being reminded of the abusers, there are still:
226 cardinals who are faithfully leading their people.
5,491 bishops who loyally guide their Archdioceses and Dioceses.
281,831 diocesan priests who pastorally dedicate their lives to bring their parishes alive and create vibrant communities.
133,138 religious priests who give their lives to the flock entrusted to their care all around the world.
46,312 permanent deacons who help in various parishes.
52,625 religious brothers who do as much work as any other ordained minister.
659,445 religious nuns who sacrifice their lives to minister to the elderly, children, orphans and so many more people in need.
116,160 seminarians who are looking forward to dedicating their lives to God in the near future.
354,743 lay missionaries who leave the comfort of their home to help those in need in faraway countries.
Not to mention the millions of lay volunteers who do priceless work, without sometimes never get any thanks, acknowledgment or word of gratitude.
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