Cardinal Pell optimistic about future of the Church

Our favorite Aussie prelate has some hopeful things to say:

Cardinal Pell Optimistic About Church in Australia
Tells of Enthusiasm Among Young People
ROME, MARCH 14, 2006 (Zenit.org).- Cardinal George Pell is optimistic about the future of the Church in Australia, in part because of the country's increase of vocations to the priesthood.

The archbishop of Sydney gave a picture ofCatholicism in Australia when he addressed a convention in Rome on the 40th anniversary of the Second Vatican Council decree "Ad Gentes." The Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples organized the March 9-11 convention.

According to the report by the Vatican congregation's Fides agency, Cardinal Pell said: "Today the situation of Catholics in Australia is stable and I am optimistic for the mission of the Church."

"We see a growth in vocations to the priesthood and new enthusiasm in the faith, especially among young Catholics," he said.

"According to recent surveys, the percentage of declared believers in Australia is increasing," the cardinal said. "This is encouraging and the Church must be ready and able to meet this spiritual and religious reawakening.

I would venture to say that something similar is going on in the U.S.
Praised be Jesus Christ!

Update: Spanish Cardinal is witnessing the same upswing in vocations...