Nuncio says Catholics must fight urge to feel ashamed of faith

Published: 2004-10-21

CORNWALL, Ontario (CNS) -- Canadian Catholics need to fight the temptation to feel ashamed of their faith in a society that marginalizes traditional religion and promotes radical individualism, said the Vatican's nuncio to Canada. Archbishop Luigi Ventura told the country's bishops gathered Oct. 19 for the first day of their annual plenary assembly that the church can offer secular society an alternative vision of what community can be. The church "lives a scattered existence and is the leaven that silently ferments, transforming -- little by little -- society," the nuncio said in his address. Archbishop Ventura offered the bishops a survey of issues with which the church in Canada has grappled over the last year. Among other things, he praised the bishops for working hard to battle against the legalization of same-sex marriage and for their attempts to eliminate sexual abuse among clergy. "Your consistency to look for means to prevent these situations of abuse, as well as the processes which permit the rapid treatment of the cases or allegations, increase the credibility of the church," he said.

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