Papal Year in 2010

There will be many significant moments for the catholic church next year. Here are some of the highlights:

In March, "Jesus of Nazareth, Part Two, Holy Week: From the Entrance into Jerusalem to the Resurrection" is scheduled to be released by Ignatius Press. This will be one that the secular press will not be as likely to subject to controversy.

On the eve of Palm Sunday, Benedict XVI will turn 84; three days later, he will mark the sixth anniversary of the start of his papacy.

Next year and beyond, the Pope will continue to elaborate more on his teachings on sacred Scripture from "Verbum Domini."

And regarding the New Evangelization, that is certainly a topic which will present itself in August. Benedict XVI will head to Madrid for the 26th World Youth Day, a day he anticipates "with great joy." Likely the biggest "event" on the Catholic Church's 2011 agenda, Spain will then receive the Pontiff for the second time in 10 months.
The pope will return to Africa. Only this time, he will be visiting the West African country-Benin from 18- 20 November, 2011. He will visit Croatia and his homeland of Germany as well.

The biggest headline-maker for secular news coverage of the Church in 2011 may again be the sex abuse scandals. As the Church in Europe begins its process of healing, the coming tide of litigation may exact a heavy toll. However, Catholics in Europe have strong reason to hope as their bishops have the advantage of looking to the successful example of the U.S. Church in how to respond to this very crisis to ensure the safety of children. Data showing virtual eradication of clerical abuse in the United States substantiate this comment from Father Thomas Brundage, JLC, former canonical judge for the Archdiocese of Milwaukee: "The Catholic Church is probably the safest place for children at this point in history."

But other more positive headlines may include developments in the Vatican visitation of American religious communities, the build-up to the new translation of the Roman Missal, and perhaps another encyclical. Also, news has been being reported with greater frequency of Anglican bishops and faithful coming into full communion with the Catholic Church. Especially with the increasing ecclesiastical implementation of 2009's "Anglicanorum Coetibus," such headlines should be a common thread for the coming year.

Regardless of the headlines, the message of the Pontiff to the youth of the Church will echo in the hearts of all Catholics this year. "Do not be discouraged," he proclaimed in August to those he hopes to see in Spain. Benedict XVI our shepherd will carry the same enduring and calm confidence as he carries the Church into the New Year.

We have much reason for hope especially as the pope is visiting Benin which is a stone throw from Nigeria

Posted in: Catholic Church in africa