Every so often the Pope will denote a spiritual theme for the year. For instance, we’ve recently seen the “Year for Priests”, the “Year of St. Paul”, and the “Year of the Eucharist”. According to an announcement this morning, it looks we’re on the verge of another one, this particular year devoted to Faith.
According to Pope Benedict XVI, the “Year of Faith” will officially begin on October 11, 2012 and will last until November 24, 2013.
So what does this “Year of Faith” mean?
We can draw three conclusions from the Pope’s announcement:
1. We can expect a major encyclical. Pope Benedict has already written brilliant treatises on the other two cardinal virtues, Hope and Love, which means we should expect one on Faith during this special year. With so much despair in our world because of war, poverty, and religious persecution, the time is ripe for the Pope to deliver a message encouraging faith.
2. The New Evangelization is in full swing. The main thrust of the New Evangelization, sparked by John Paul II and continued by Benedict XVI, is to reawaken faith in areas where it has become dormant, and this new theme fits perfectly into this plan. The Pope has chosen the theme of Faith to counteract the aggressive secularism spreading throughout the world, a system with no room for God. The new “Year of Faith” will ultimately fuel the New Evangelization and drive it forward.
3. We won’t have a Year of the Bible…yet. After the recent Synod on the Bible and the Pope’s rich exhortation titled Verbum Domini (The Word of the Lord), I was hoping Benedict would announce a full year dedicated to Scripture. Such a theme would not only draw Catholics back to the Bible but would be a monumental gesture to Protestants across the world. It would be a permanent reply to the misconception that “Catholics don’t read the Bible” and would cement a strong, ecumenical bond between Catholic and non-Catholic traditions. But while the Bible won’t be this year’s theme, Benedict’s pontificate has been marked by a strong Biblical focus which means we may see the theme in the near future.
6 thoughts on “2012 is the “Year of Faith”…What Does It Mean?”
Good stuff. I followed the link from Catholic Vote. Think I will snoop around and see what else you got. Grazie
I think it’ll be appropriate and most needed. I’ve seen a lot of people who’re Catholic in name only or who have been selective with what they choose to believe in their faith (cafeteria catholics). The Year of Faith will be a good opportunity for Catholics to witness their faith more boldly and with charity. Because God has not given us a spirit of timidity but of power and love and discipline. Its a good time to become more familiar with the teachings of the Church, especially what was learned earlier in life but forgotten. Perhaps by doing so one can increase their faith thereby coming to an authentic and renewed conversion in the Lord. Perhaps they will then be able to worship in spirit (from the heart) and truth (sincere, engaging & active). Because it seems many Catholics are baptized but not actually converted.
What about indulgences? Doesn’t the pope usually provide for some sort of indulgence to be gained during these years?
I think the year of faith is a great idea! The world as whole could use some faith
I am a practicing Catholic but do not sing with the choir.What I would honestly give of myself to others is that God is a healer.He can take the worst thing in your life and make it the best.My words here pale: ” Thou has given far more than what was ever asked”
Believe and have faith in this.
It’s Great way to Mark CCC’s 20th Anniversary!