NEWS & VIEWS
from a CATHOLIC perspective

    ROME (CWNews.com) - "In Vietnam there is a blossoming of faith that truly represents a new spring," said Archbishop Theodore McCarrick of Newark, recalling his recent visit to the Asian country together with other American bishops.

    The prelate, chairman of the US Bishops' International Policy Committee, also said in an interview published on Tuesday by the Italian newspaper Avvenire that "it would be great if the Pope could see all this personally."

    Archbishop McCarrick explained that the aim of the trip was to "express our solidarity with the Catholic Church in Vietnam, to demonstrate that we are united in the love of Jesus, even though we are separated by an ocean." He pointed out that they wanted to "pay a visit of reconciliation," and to "thank the Vietnamese for their witness of faith, and for all the people of good will they have sent to the United States."

    Regarding the trip, the archbishop said that he had a "very positive" impression during his visit. "There is a blossoming of faith among the people that has really impressed me," he said. He recalled the pilgrimages to the Marian sanctuary of La Vang, where "thousands of faithful always fill the place to pray."

    Nevertheless, the archbishop said that there is still some resistance from the government to the work of the Church. He noted that the "Catholic Church practically has no access to mass media," and the government "does not allow more than 20 candidates every two years" at the seminary, denying entrance to many young people.

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