"Perhaps, in a glancing way, this was published to respond to the constant barrage of news headlines and articles claiming that the Brazilian Catholic Church is in steep decline?"

The liberal media likes to report things that they wish for instead of what is actually true, such as in Iraq, global warming, and now with Pope Benedict's trip to Brazil a decline in Catholicism.

Probably the biggest problem facing Catholics in Brazil is communist liberation theology. I hope the Pope takes it on.
Gabe | Homepage | 05.08.07 - 1:48 pm | #

In looking at your statistics you did not list deacons. Surely there must be some bishop in Brazil who has permanent deacons in his diocese. And with the shortage of priest clergy who must be celibate, it is deacon clergy who bring a married witness to the ranks of the Catholic clergy and who are able to serve part-time or full- time depending on the needs of a parish for ordained pastoral back-up for the priest.
Deacon John M. Bresnahan | 05.08.07 - 6:29 pm | #

Actually the Catholic Church in Brazil is stabilizing despite claims from the media.
MArk PAtino | 05.09.07 - 10:26 am | #