The Center Holds

From this story from England and this one from Notre Dame it can appear on some days that the center of the Catholic faith cannot hold and all is falling down around us, but as long as Peter speaks, the truths are known and praised daily in the worldwide mass by the millions of the faithful, the gates of hell cannot prevail, though it may often seem they are.

Vatican News reports on Peter’s visit to Africa, where the Church is surging.

“VATICAN CITY, 21 MAR 2009 (VIS) - At 4.20 p.m. today, the Holy Father went to Stadio dos Coquieros in the Angolan capital city of Luanda. On arrival he toured the stadium - which has a capacity of 30,000 - by popemobile greeting the crowds of young people he had come to meet.

“Commenting on the theme of the meeting, taken from the Book of Revelation, "Behold the dwelling of God is with men", the Pope assured the young people that "God makes all the difference, ... and more! God changes us; He makes us new!".

"God is the future of a new humanity, which is anticipated in His Church. When you have a chance, take time to read the Church's history. You will find that the Church does not grow old with the passing of the years. Rather, she grows younger, for she is journeying towards her Lord, day by day drawing nearer to the one true fountain overflowing with youthfulness, rebirth, the power of life".