By Russell Shaw, The Catholic Thing, June 3, 2021
Russell Shaw is former Secretary for Public Affairs of the National Conference of Catholic Bishops/United States Catholic Conference. He is the author of more than twenty books, including Eight Popes and the Crisis of Modernity.
If – and right now it’s a big “if” – the American bishops at their meeting later this month agree to proceed with a document on respect for the Eucharist, the recent, well-publicized differences among them could turn out to be a blessing in disguise. Especially so if the document marks the start of a serious teaching effort in dioceses and parishes directed to Catholics who’ve grown confused and careless on this all-important subject.
Of course, that may only be wishful thinking. The unusual spectacle of bishops sniping publicly at one another rules out taking a happy ending for granted.
So, how did we get into this fix? ….