2/4/01
Blessing the Press
It’s easy to make fun of faith. People have been doing it since
somebody first laughed at a bearded prophet.
Religion—the practice formed by and enriched by that faith—is
an even more tempting target.
It’s why, if you’ve ever doubted it, there’s reason to read and
support the Catholic press—especially in February, Catholic Press
Month.
The secular media can be a great ally of the church. There are
many stories that may be (unfortunately) beyond the reach of The
Catholic New World, Chicago Católico or even our growing Catholic
presence on radio and TV.
Despite that, the secular media cannot always be counted on to
understand faith. Especially since some of it, when not well-reported,
may come across as odd, or worse.
There was a flurry of negative comment recently—some directed
to The Catholic New World—when a newspaper reported, on the front
page, that Cardinal George “sanctified” and blessed a high-end
car dealership’s new showroom.
The article was correct; the cardinal did indeed bless the dealership.
Despite the factual reporting, the story came across at best a
little tongue-in-cheek. At worst, it’s snide.
One angry person’s e-mail, though, called it a “blatant misuse
and abuse of a sacramental.” At the risk of sounding like an apologist,
it’s not.
There is a grand and faithful tradition in Christianity of blessing
homes, people, articles and even places of business. The sense
is there is a lot worse in this world than acknowledging the presence
of God around us.
Actually, the article pointed that out, though you had to read
carefully to find it. That a secular newspaper found some sport
in a cardinal of the church blessing expensive vehicles and their
showroom is reason enough to question motives.
The Catholic Church is deeply involved in the hurts and pains
of the world. Its work among the poor, its determined and even
gritty efforts to continue teaching in the inner city, its many
calls for justice often go unnoticed.
But a blessing of a business—even a generous business whose donations
help support the works of the faithful—that becomes Page One news?
During Catholic Press Month, and all year long, turn to The Catholic
New World, Chicago Católico or other Catholic publications for
a better sense of faith.
—Tom Sheridan,
Editor and General Manager
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