Pope's U.S. visit expected to yield spiritual returns beyond costs

Published: 2008-04-29

WASHINGTON (CNS) -- While critics of the money spent on the April 15-20 papal visit have argued the funds could have gone to better use by feeding the hungry or providing aid to the needy, Brian Reynolds, chancellor of the Archdiocese of Louisville, Ky., said the investment in the event has inspired the faithful and will ultimately help those in need all over the planet. "It's good Catholic evangelization in action," Reynolds said. "Our experience has been that when the faithful are excited about their own church experiences and when people are enthusiastic, evangelization happens. With that outreach and service happens." Since the pope inspired passionate spirituality among millions of all faiths, those citizens will also be inspired by the Gospel that urges followers to donate their time, money and resources to worthy endeavors, like programs for the homeless, hungry and destitute, he said. "This is how the faith gets spread," Reynolds said. "The money spent won't take away from someone in need. It's a call to the missionary spirit that is in our roots. How do you measure the price of spiritual renewal?"

Copyright (c) 2008 Catholic News Service /U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. The CNS news report may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or otherwise distributed, including but not limited to such means as framing or any other digital copying or distribution method, in whole or in part without the prior written authority of Catholic News Service .