Pope Benedict XVI is visiting the US. He arrived on his birthday, April 15. From April 15-17, he will be at Washington DC, and after that, until he leaves on the 20th, he will be in New York City. This is the first pastoral visit of Benedict to the States.

I wonder when he’s going to come visit the Philippines?

Whadaya know, there’s even a Wordpress blog on his visit! One of the interesting articles in that blog is the CARA (Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate) of Jesuit Georgetown University’s 2008 Study on Sacrament’s Today: Belief and Practice Among US Catholics.

It might be good to read the Study and learn from it. The context may be different, but it could actually give us a sense of how the Philippines as a purportedly Catholic nation is faring in our religiosity and our faith.

Some COOL facts in the study (once again, I include this here in the hope of us becoming more conscious of our own faith, spirituality and religiosity OR LACK THEREOF):

1) Over 77% of adult Catholics agree that they are proud to be Catholic.

2) Even those who practice only somewhat or not as often, are aware of and seek to adhere to the discipline of Lent (60%).

3) A considerable number (80%) find strength in the beliefs of the Creed regarding the Trinity, the Blessed Virgin Mary, and the Incarnation.

4) Satisfaction with the leadership of the Bishops has jumped 14% from 2004 to almost 75%. This satisfaction surges in approval of the overall leadership of the Church with 80% satisfied with the guidance of Pope Benedict XVI.

5) More than half (54%) of adult Catholics consider themselves practicing Catholics. 23% attend Mass at least once a week. Another 10.3% attempt to attend once a week. This means that on any given Sunday over 31% of Catholics are in attendance.

6) Between the 77% who are proud to be Catholic and the 23% who practice regularly, there is a highly fertile 54% who are accessible and within immediate reach, among which are some very close to frequent practice. This highly fertile region is the field of the New Evangelization. Catechesis and outreach to this proximate 54% can leaven the remaining 23% who identify as less than proud to be Catholic.