'Joy is keynote message of Christianity,' priest says

Published: 2004-07-19

NOTRE DAME, Ind. (CNS) -- Be joyful, even when the chips are down, Father John T. Catoir told 200 participants at the 2004 international gathering of the North American Conference of Separated and Divorced Catholics. While loving your neighbor as yourself and forgiving others are good, "joy is the keynote message of Christianity," the priest said. He spoke July 3 during the conference's 30th anniversary gathering at the University of Notre Dame. The theme of the July 1-4 meeting was "Grains of Sand, Pearls of Wisdom." Ministry leadership seminars were held June 28-July 1. Father Catoir, the founder and current president of the St. Jude Media Ministry and former head of The Christophers, began his presentation by asking two questions: What is the central message of Christianity? And what is the recurring motif of the Gospel? No one in the audience answered correctly, which did not surprise the priest, who has written more than 15 books, including "Enjoy Your Precious Life." "Nobody ever mentions joy," said Father Catoir. "What happened to us? Joy is present in the annunciation, the visitation, the birth of Christ. Joy is there in the public ministry of Jesus."

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