More practicing Catholics in China than Italy, Tony Blair claims

[Abyssinia]

In an address on the religious influences that shape the world, former British prime minister Tony Blair said that there are more practicing Catholics in China today than in Italy.

There are an estimated 15-18 million Catholics in China, although estimates vary widely because of the government’s refusal to acknowledge the “underground” Church. About 6 million Catholics worship in churches that are recognized by the government; there may be twice as many in the “underground” churches. Italy’s population is 58 million, of whom 80% are Catholic. But only about one-third of Italian Catholics practice the faith. So Blair’s calculation is reasonable.

catholicculture.org/news/headlines/index.cfm?storyid=9323

 

[TeenageConvert]

In an address on the religious influences that shape the world, former British prime minister Tony Blair said that there are more practicing Catholics in China today than in Italy.

There are an estimated 15-18 million Catholics in China, although estimates vary widely because of the government’s refusal to acknowledge the “underground” Church. About 6 million Catholics worship in churches that are recognized by the government; there may be twice as many in the “underground” churches. Italy’s population is 58 million, of whom 80% are Catholic. But only about one-third of Italian Catholics practice the faith. So Blair’s calculation is reasonable.

catholicculture.org/news/headlines/index.cfm?storyid=9323

I can believe that, it’s bad, but believe it lol. I read somewhere only 7% of Italians attend mass every Sunday and holy day of obligation.

I guess Italians are like a lot of Mexicans tend to be, they’re culturally but not religiously catholic( If that makes sense lol.
Sure they hang rosary beads on their rear view merrors, but don’t pray them, or they have images of The Virgine De Guadalupe but can’t recall the last time they said a Hail Mary.
They go to mass on Christmas, Easter, Palm Sunday, and Pentecost maybe but that’s about it lol…too many people re like that:/

 

[mark_a]

I guess Italians are like a lot of Mexicans tend to be, they’re culturally but not religiously catholic( If that makes sense lol.
Sure they hang rosary beads on their rear view merrors, but don’t pray them, or they have images of The Virgine De Guadalupe but can’t recall the last time they said a Hail Mary.
They go to mass on Christmas, Easter, Palm Sunday, and Pentecost maybe but that’s about it lol…too many people re like that:/

I would like to note here that when I go to the english mass, 99% of the congregation goes to communion. Confession lines are very short relative to the number of households that are members.

But when I go to spanish mass, only about 25% of the congregation goes to communion. I suspect that the spanish speaking congregation has a better grasp of and respect for the teachings of the Church than the engish mass attendees.

 

[TeenageConvert]

I would like to note here that when I go to the english mass, 99% of the congregation goes to communion. Confession lines are very short relative to the number of households that are members.

But when I go to spanish mass, only about 25% of the congregation goes to communion. I suspect that the spanish speaking congregation has a better grasp of and respect for the teachings of the Church than the engish mass attendees.

That’s true, when they are religious and do practice the catholic religion they do have a much deeper respect for God and his church, and his precious body& blood.
That’s something american Catholics could benefit from.
It seems like too many American’s are devout Catholics until the churches rules affect their lives.
I’ve met someone who left the church because it did not permit them tlo have an outdoor wedding. They felt the church had no right to tell them how to live and your religion shouldn’t stop you from doing what you want. I found that mind boggling.
While a lot more hispanics, even if they divorce and can no longer receive communion attend mass every Sunday and still practice the faith.

Id like to add I’m not trying to say all American Catholics are heretical and selfish, or all Hispanics are either devout or “palm Sunday catholics”

 

[The_Old_Medic]

Sadly, he is probably correct, if “practicing” means those that pretty much adhere to the teachings of the church.

Most places where the church has been persecuted, there is a great deal more fervor among the faithful.

Look at Poland before the fall of the Communists, and how it is today. Then, almost all Poles were practicing Catholics, now more and more are falling away from the Church.

In Italy, most people are nominally Catholic, but they rarely attend any church function other than weddings and funerals.

 

[ProVobis]

But when I go to spanish mass, only about 25% of the congregation goes to communion. I suspect that the spanish speaking congregation has a better grasp of and respect for the teachings of the Church than the engish mass attendees.

You’ll find maybe half of Polish people receive as well. Poland is about 90% Catholic and 75% attend regular Mass there. Saturday confession lines are usually a lot longer in Polish communities too.

Both Hispanic and Polish communities are growing rapidly in Chicago.

Tough to figure out the Italian community.

 

[ProVobis]

Id like to add I’m not trying to say all American Catholics are heretical and selfish, or all Hispanics are either devout or “palm Sunday catholics”

I’m not sure what it has to do with heresy. It’s generally the culture. I always get the feeling when I go to the English Mass that if you take communion and the obligation away, there’d be virtually no one showing up for Mass at all.

 

[TeenageConvert]

I’m not sure what it has to do with heresy. It’s generally the culture. I always get the feeling when I go to the English Mass that if you take communion and the obligation away, there’d be virtually no one showing up for Mass at all.

Well I was kind of off topic when I said herecy, I was referring to the woman I talked about earlier in my post. She practiced Catholicism for years, but obviously didn’t believe Jesus gave the church, the bishops, the priests etc. any authority because she left the church for it not allowing an outdoor wedding. Seemed heretical to me lol.

 

[OrdinaryMelkite]

In an address on the religious influences that shape the world, former British prime minister Tony Blair said that there are more practicing Catholics in China today than in Italy.

There are an estimated 15-18 million Catholics in China, although estimates vary widely because of the government’s refusal to acknowledge the “underground” Church. About 6 million Catholics worship in churches that are recognized by the government; there may be twice as many in the “underground” churches. Italy’s population is 58 million, of whom 80% are Catholic. But only about one-third of Italian Catholics practice the faith. So Blair’s calculation is reasonable.

catholicculture.org/news/headlines/index.cfm?storyid=9323

Sadly, I Tend To Agree With This.

 

[paperwight66]

But when I go to spanish mass, only about 25% of the congregation goes to communion. I suspect that the spanish speaking congregation has a better grasp of and respect for the teachings of the Church than the engish mass attendees.

My son, who has lived in Spain for over twenty years, tells me that traditionally Spanish Catholics believe that they cannot go to Communion if they have made love the night before (I am talking about married people). Or to put it another way, they are to ‘fast’ from sex in the same way as they have to fast from food, to make an adequate preparation.

Presumably this is a hang-over from Jansenism, and is not officially taught anymore. But I wonder of the belief still lingers among Hispanics, and might explain non-reception,

 

[Rich_Olszewski]

You’ll find maybe half of Polish people receive as well. Poland is about 90% Catholic and 75% attend regular Mass there. Saturday confession lines are usually a lot longer in Polish communities too.

Both Hispanic and Polish communities are growing rapidly in Chicago.

Through immigration, that’s how. Even with some reduced church attendance, the Poles are still strong believers, and they come over retaining their devotion to the Church. Same with Hispanic immigrants.

Italy has always had a strong anti-clerical streak, and that may explain the low numbers in that country.

 

[ProVobis]

My son, who has lived in Spain for over twenty years, tells me that traditionally Spanish Catholics believe that they cannot go to Communion if they have made love the night before (I am talking about married people). Or to put it another way, they are to ‘fast’ from sex in the same way as they have to fast from food, to make an adequate preparation.

Presumably this is a hang-over from Jansenism, and is not officially taught anymore. But I wonder of the belief still lingers among Hispanics, and might explain non-reception,

Could be. Old habits and training are hard to break. I still feel uncomfortable having eaten something even over an hour before communion.