Catholic Culture Overview
Catholic Culture Overview

Mexican evangelists making gains in Ohio

By Phil Lawler ( bio - articles - email ) | May 02, 2014 | In On the Good

In Columbus, Ohio, a campaign of door-to-door evangelization, conducted by a small group of religious sisters from Mexico, has produced remarkable results in bringing lapsed Catholics back to church. Working in Hispanic neighborhoods, the sisters bring a contagious enthusiasm for the faith, Father David Schalk tells the Columbus Dispatch: “It’s what Pope Francis has.”

There’s nothing special about the sisters’ approach, other than that enthusiasm—and the results. There’s no high-tech gimmickry, no grand scheme. The sisters, members of the Missionary Servants of the Word, show a genuine love for the faith, and care for the people. They’re credited with helping drug addicts and alcoholics to reform, helping broken families reconcile. And as for relations with the local parishes, the Dispatch reports: “St. Stephen has moved from having one Spanish-language Mass a week to four.”

Phil Lawler has been a Catholic journalist for more than 30 years. He has edited several Catholic magazines and written eight books. Founder of Catholic World News, he is the news director and lead analyst at CatholicCulture.org. See full bio.

Sound Off! CatholicCulture.org supporters weigh in.

All comments are moderated. To lighten our editing burden, only current donors are allowed to Sound Off. If you are a current donor, log in to see the comment form; otherwise please support our work, and Sound Off!

  • Posted by: feedback - Jun. 30, 2017 7:51 AM ET USA

    Cardinal Pell seems pretty confident. Let's offer a "Hail Mary" for the victory of truth in his case. Being a wise, orthodox and high ranking prelate of the Church makes him preferred target for the devil.

  • Posted by: shrink - Jun. 30, 2017 6:49 AM ET USA

    Remember Mike Nifong. He recklessly prosecuted some Duke Univ athletes for rape, and was brought down in a mighty crash—he damaged the athletes, but he was ruined in the process. Maybe Pell can hire a brass knuckled defense attorney like Brad Bannon to go after the aussie prosecutors. BTW: My first pick for cardinal scoundrels would be Mahoney of LA, who has a priest abuse count second to none.

  • Posted by: AgnesDay - Jun. 29, 2017 3:16 PM ET USA

    No one knows how God plans to dispose of this situation, but personal experience has taught me that He can uphold the innocent in the face of false accusation. Please pray many Rosaries, of course for Cdl. Pell, but most especially for whoever is speaking falsely. That judgment dwarfs whatever judgment Cdl. Pell currently faces.

  • Posted by: dfp3234574 - Jun. 29, 2017 1:10 PM ET USA

    I want everyone to think back to a specific place where they were 30 years ago. Now try to imagine defending yourself that you *didn't do something* that many years ago. It is nearly impossible. This entire story is *insane*. And if you really think this episode is about "holding leaders accountable" and "protecting children," I have a wonderful bridge over the waters of Boston to sell you.