Catholic Culture

I have heard and read about the many challenges the Church faces in Europe and how so few people practice their Faith especially through Sunday Mass attendance.  If my parish was here it would be very disheartening.  Thank goodness Mass attendance, though not as high as it used to be is still better than here in France and, indeed, Europe as a whole.

What I miss in the States is a "Catholic Culture."  It used to be present in Catholic enclaves or ghettos in  former years but it does not exist anymore.  Stores are not closed on Sundays.  Rarely do people make their parish central in their lives.  Holy Days and Feast Days are just like other days.

Schola monks in copes at Solemn Easter Vespers.

As "pagan" as it might have become in some aspects, France still has that vestige of Catholic culture.  On Easter Sunday evening, the abbey church was packed for Easter Vespers and Benediction.  The majority of those there lived relatively nearby and had left there tables to acknowledge the Risen Lord.  Most had been to Mass in the morning or the night before, others had not.  Good Friday, as well as Holy Thursday afternoon are holidays here in recognition of the sacred character of the days and to allow individuals time to reflect and observe them (It also helps those who are traveling to spend Easter with loved ones).  Easter Monday is also a holiday.  If I had wanted to leave here then it would have been problematic to get a taxi and the trains were on a reduced schedule.  Why?  because it was Easter Monday!

This mindset is the same in Italy, Austria, Spain - throughout Europe.  It's one of the few things I miss about the States.  Being Catholic should permeate every aspect of our lives.

The Lord is Risen!  Alleluia!