Rise in Italian Catholic Church attendance attributed to ‘Francis effect’

[hrmjustin]

Eric J. Lyman

ROME (RNS) First, the name “Francesco” leapfrogged to No. 1 on the list of the most popular baby names in Italy.

Then, the city of Rome reported a tourism boom, mostly from Latin America.

Now, there’s word Roman Catholic Church attendance is climbing throughout Italy.

Blame it on “the Francis effect.”

http://www.religionnews.com/2013/11/11/rise-italian-catholic-church-attendance-attributed-francis-effect/

[MADem]

1. Well, he's certainly forcing priests to play the "better angels" card rather than the "thou shalt

not" one--and people like to hear that they are good, and are capable of doing good things for one another.

[No Vested Interest]

2. Isn't that the truth?!

I get terribly turned off by lectures on how we are sinning.
Most of us are just trying our best to get through the day wherever and with whatever life has placed us.
If we goof up now and then or every day, well, that's our human nature.
We have to pick ourselves up and go on and face the next day.

And I do say that out of a spirit of joy for the wonderful world God (or some might say - Nature) has provided for us.

[goldent]

3. I understand what you are saying

but I do think it is healthy for all of us to be periodically reminded of our sinfullness. I think too many people have forgotten. Having said that, I don't the ways of our sinfullness need to be dwelt on - I believe we all know what they are.

Catholics (experts in guilt) make no bones about it:

I confess to almighty God
and to you, my brothers and sisters,
that I have greatly sinned,
in my thoughts and in my words,
in what I have done and in what I have failed to do,
through my fault, through my fault,
through my most grievous fault

[No Vested Interest]

4. You are correct, we are sinners.

I am Catholic, and pray the Confiteor and believe those words, and try to conform to the rules of my God and church as best I can.
I do believe especially the words -"in what I have failed to do", as I believe that is a serious failing of mine and of many others.
My personal prayers are for the strength and energy to do what I can and need to do to be available for whomever needs my support, help, and assistance.
I am a senior who no longer has the desire to sin actively - I'm old enough to know that sinful actions would only complicate my life.
I go to confession about once a year and have to rely mostly on "what I failed to do", aside from occasional anger, annoyance, etc.

[Fortinbras Armstrong]

5. I like the way the Anglican

Book of Common Prayer puts it

Almighty and most merciful Father,
We have erred and strayed from thy ways like lost sheep,
We have followed too much the devices and desires of our own hearts,
We have offended against thy holy laws,
We have left undone those things which we ought to have done,
And we have done those things which we ought not to have done.
And there is no health in us.