History holds lesson of hope

Father John Kerns, pastor of St. Juan Diego parish in the Archdiocese of Portland, Oregon (the first U.S. diocese to file bankruptcy because of the abuse scandal) has an interesting article in today's Oregonian newspaper. Here's a excerpt:

"I know a woman who, when asked why she became Catholic, would respond: 'Because of the medieval popes.' Even Catholics are surprised at this response because we are fully aware that those popes were of the worst examples of Christian discipleship, let alone leadership.

"Yet she would explain: 'If the church can survive them and be thriving today, then it must be true.' Those were times of great scandal but also times of great saints.

"St. Francis of Assisi (13th century) lived Christian simplicity. St. Catherine of Sienna (14th century) wrote to the popes to demand they give up their luxurious lifestyle. St. Charles Borromeo (16th century) was a great reformer within Catholicism. St. Theresa of Avila (16th century) reformed her own Carmelite order amid tremendous resistance."

(Hat tip to Gregory Popcak at the Heart, Mind and Strength blog)