We’ve heard recently that some countries are experiencing a resurgence in church attendance and active participation in their Catholic churches. France has shown this trend and many American colleges are showing great interest in the Catholic faith by many students who have previously been inactive. On the other hand, Latin American countries are experiencing a decline in church attendance, and it’s been dramatic especially over the last 10 years. Astonishingly, they were the Pope Francis years ! Now comes the surprising news that Australia is going through ‘its second spring’ as its Archbishop of Sydney, Fr Anthony Fisher , OP called it. This is especially seen in many young people who had no association with any religion in their past. For 5 years in a row, there has been an increase of 26% of conversions, not from lapsed Catholics, but from new members who were previously not affiliated to any faith or religion. Admittance to Catholic schools is increasing regularly, as is the number of vocations to the priesthood. The Archbishop jokes by saying ‘I soon would need a bigger Cathedral! In the last few weeks, I ordained a Bishop, 2 deacons and a priest.’ Not to mention the 36 priests he ordained since 2015. He attributes all of this to the Holy Spirit.
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