This time, St.Louis-area Catholics are going to the pope

While Pope Francis’ first visit to the United States this fall has stirred excitement among many Catholics in America, the historic trip comes at a time of mixed emotions for some in New York’s Chinese Catholic community. “I know he did”, said Cardinal Cushing. This most charismatic of Popes is 78 and has never set foot on American soil before. Maybe you’re a lapsed Catholic who questions the church’s policy toward women or LGBTQ people. The first papal nuncio (or Vatican ambassador) arrived in 1853, sparking objections among those who thought the pope would begin to influence affairs in Washington.

“I hope that Catholics, your general Catholic, will have a renewed sense of pride in our faith (from Pope Francis’s visit)”.

A massive statue outside the visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church in Dickson City can be overwhelming for some.

That, however, has not been the case with Wong and hundreds of fellow Chinese-American Catholics, many of them immigrants from the southeastern Chinese province of Fujian, who have made St. Joseph’s their spiritual home for the last two decades.

As for Paul VI, when that tragic November day came, he would allow the members of the press to enter the papal apartments to record him speaking-in English-of his sorrow at “so dastardly a crime” that befell the American people and the world.

The NYPD said there are now no reports indicating a “known threat” to Pope Francis during his visit to New York City.

“It’s been really exciting”, said 8 grader Megan Thomas.

But the first Latin American pope’s blessings on America could also contain uncomfortable challenges as he addresses a country that encapsulates numerous ills he has denounced as the head of one of the world’s largest religions. “The Catholic Church is about more than just the political beliefs it’s ostracized for sometimes”. Like many of these students, Marissa Krukowski has attended Catholic school her whole life.

“After so many hours”, she said, “it better be good”.

Despite the Church’s unprecedented corrective measures just in the past dozen years, not to mention almost $3 billion in settlements and over $85 million in therapy to accusers, one would think it was 1992 all over again in reading the article from Vivian Yee at the Times.

“While most of the events will have limited access due to the need for people to obtain a ticket or invitation in order to attend, large crowds congregating outside event locations and using public transportation can be attractive targets for individuals and groups looking to carry out attacks”, the NYPD assessment says. Judging by who he is meeting and where he is going, he has the chance to effect real change.

The Catholic population continued to grow in the 20th century, especially as the Democratic Party’s base went from rural to urban.

“I wouldn’t have minded sticking around and seeing the pope but we gotta get them to Washington state”, said Tony Lamanna, the organizer for Honor Flight Spokane.

“We are unfortunately not a school with an endowment that starts with a B”, said Christopher Lydon, vice president for enrollment management and marketing at Catholic University.