Austria: “The Power of Prayer Does Not Shrink”
Cardinal Christoph Schönborn made an appeal for hope despite the falling number of Catholics the focus of his sermon at the Maria Name Celebration on Saturday in Vienna’s St. Stephen’s Cathedral.
The Rosary Expiatory Crusade Prayer Community (RSK), which organizes the great faith celebration every year, is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year. “Let’s not worry, even if we’ve become fewer,” said Schönborn. In the last 75 years, the number of people celebrating has visibly shrunk, but not the power of prayer. So it is “not the many that count, but the ones praying themselves, even if it is only one”.
According to Schönborn, Austria has not become more incredulous, but more secular. For Christians it means not feeling sorry for themselves as a minority, but living the message of Jesus in the current form of society and celebrating “the gift of faith”.
As a sign of hope, Schönborn also referred to the biblical references that what is lost always comes back. Anyone can go astray or be on the wrong track like the people of Israel, but follow Jesus “until he finds you and brings you home”.
Schönborn continued: “Whatever happens in life, we can come home. Open arms will be waiting for us. That’s what Jesus told us, but that’s how we need to see each other. Everyone is a beloved child of God.” So believers should not worry, “even if we become fewer”, because the message of Jesus is stronger than any human weakness.
(cap – sk)