Mexico City, Mexico, Apr 14, 2010 / 11:49 am
Father Juan Jose Cedeno, the associate communications director for the Archdiocese of Mexico City reported this week that a massive number of Mexican faithful attended Holy Week services, despite the recent flood of media attacks on Pope Benedict XVI and the Catholic Church.
According to the archdiocesan news service, Mexico City parish pastors said the number of faithful in attendance during Holy Week doubled and tripled in a way that has not been seen for years.
“The faithful desired to manifest their support for the priests they know and trust. They have been hurt by the attacks on the Church and have banded together,” explained Fr. Cedeno. He noted that “the faithful experienced a great need for God upon seeing a society that is divided, hurt and filled with hatred.”
Even government officials noticed the increase and pledged to create special tourist routes so those visiting the capital city could more easily take part in the area's “religious attractions.”