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On Easter Sunday Cardinal John Dew was interviewed by Wallace Chapman on New Zealand’s National radio.
He talked to Chapman about being called to the priesthood, the church’s work for social justice, the meaning of Easter in the modern world, and the hope placed in the Pope.
“Easter is a wonderful opportunity for us to show that we are people of hope, we can continue to be people of hope, where we have noticed in the last couple of years, that the number coming to Easter ceremonies have increased, and we think that is part of what is known as the Francis effect, which is around the world,” said Cardinal John.
He said the Francis effect is profound, “There are books written on the Francis effect, and it has been spoken about pretty soon after he was elected.”
“I’ve heard people say myself, I can belong to this Church again, you know the Pope has given me great hope.”
“I’m astounded at the number of people, not just Catholic people, but people all over the place, who comment on the actions of Pope Francis and the hope that he is giving to the world.”
Chapman said “Isn’t that incredible, the Francis effect? Is it really those small things you talk about, queuing for your coffee, driving a little Ford Fiesta instead of a chauffeured vehicle, not having the protection on his car, paying for the hotel bill, going by bus?”
“All of those things speak loudly,” agreed Cardinal John.
Earlier in the interview Cardinal John said he did not want to detract from the previous popes, “it is just his way and, of course, it endears him to everybody who is there, and people see that humble act of just lining up for coffee like everybody else.”
Cardinal John said the biggest issues facing the Church in New Zealand were adapting the liturgy so that it meets the diverse spiritual and devotional needs of New Zealand’s multicultural society, and finding ways to make the Gospel speak to people today so that it applies to their daily life.
He said it is a big challenge to many people, “It is not just about going to church for an hour on Sunday, its is living the Gospel.”
Listen to the interview. This link will take you to the Sunday Morning programme. You will then need to scroll down to the link Cardinal John Dew – Prayer and Protest, and click on it
Image: icatholic.ie
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