Editorial

Youth Day excitement: We can all experience it

Coverage of World Youth Day

As someone who likes to travel, I bid farewell somewhat wistfully to Catholic Herald reporter Julianne Nornberg as she left on the bus Monday to travel to World Youth Day in Toronto.

Not that I envy Julianne's long bus ride, the uncertainty of accommodations (sleeping bags are not my favorite things), or walking miles in hot weather to catch a glimpse of the pope. I have to admit those activities are better left to younger persons. (I still remember well my excursion to Des Moines, Iowa, in 1979 when the Holy Father celebrated Mass outdoors on Living History Farms with over 300,000 people filling the hillsides.)

Excitement and energy. But I will miss the opportunity to experience the excitement and the energy of gathering with over 200,000 young people from 170 countries around the world. I'm sure those attending will be thrilled to see Pope John Paul II, who is expected to attend despite his poor health. He seems to get revived by the youth, almost like a battery charge!

It will also be a wonderful experience for youth to realize they're part of a truly catholic and Catholic Church, with a small and a big c/C. They will understand how universal our church really is and that so many other young people share their beliefs and values. This is important today, when active young Catholics can sometimes feel they're considered "weird nerds" or out of touch with the popular or "in" culture.

Part of the experience. Those of us who can't make the trip to Toronto can still be part of the experience. How? By praying for and with the Holy Father, our local bishops (Bishop William H. Bullock and George O. Wirz who will be attending World Youth Day), our delegation from the Madison Diocese, and the thousands of other youth.

We can also keep posted on World Youth Day through the media, including our own Catholic Herald Online at www.madisoncatholicherald.org. This week, our Web site is featuring regular updates from reporter Nornberg, including photos from Toronto. There will also be articles from Catholic News Service posted each day. Go to the front page of our Web site and check the "Breaking News" box for directions.

Our local Catholic Radio station, WHFA (1240 AM), and EWTN on cable television will also be featuring World Youth Day coverage.

So sit back, relax, and experience World Youth Day - without having to board a bus! It should be a spiritually enriching opportunity for all of us.

Mary C. Uhler, editor

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After reading the bishops' plan (dealing with clergy sexual abuse), I have three questions and a concern:

• What happens to a priest who in the past was found to have abused a minor? Will he be removed from priestly responsibilities, etc.? Where will that individual live?

• What happens in the future when a priest is found to have abused a minor?

• After an old or new abuse situation, will the laity be expected to support these individuals?

If my analysis is correct, first these individuals abuse our children and then we support them. Am I missing something?

Bill Donohue, Madison