"I believe in one holy, catholic and apostolic Church". Rocco recited this phrase of the Credo with conviction. He believed that the Church of his time was holy. And yet, it has lost its first fervor. Those responsible didn't give an example of a life based on the gospel.

Was Rocco's faith an illusion?

Christians of the 21st century still recite this phrase with conviction. They believe that the Church of their time is holy. And still what reproaches it deserves.

Is the faith of these Christians an illusion?

No. To believe that the Church is holy is not to close one's eyes or to refuse to see its deficiencies, but to work for its conversion instead. The holiness of the Church is the presence of the "actions of God: the sacraments". Whatever the difficulties of the times, the Church continues to perform these actions, instituted by the love of God: she baptizes her children and breaks the consecrated Bread for them. The holiness of the Church is the presence of the Holy Spirit in her, a spirit of love. Whatever the difficulties of the times, the Holy Spirit hasn't stopped inspiring, animating the lives of Christians of good will: the anonymous crowd of saints who climb the earthly road or who have already reached the end.

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But at the same time, the Church is sinful. It has been sinful since its beginning: Peter, the first head, denied Jesus. Already! Paul strongly reproached the Christians of Corinth (in the year 55!) and John those in Ephesis: "I hold it against you that you have lost your first love!" (Apocalypse 2:4). It has always been that way. The church is a community built on Christ--and He is Holy--but made up of men and women, both good and bad. And appearing like this, it obeys the laws of the whole human society. The 14th century was a period of decadence for the Church. The lack of fervor and wisdom of those responsible prepared the two great dramas of Christianity: on one hand, the breach between the Eastern Church and the Western Church (1453); on the other hand, the Protestant Reformation and the wars of religion (XVIth century).

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At the end of the XXth century, the Church is spread throughout the world. From east to west, courageous Christians witness to their faith, even shedding their blood. Immense efforts have been made for the gospel to be lived better, proclaimed better, in our scientific and technical world. However, in France, the Church seems struck with stupidity. Many doubt the value of Christianity and are afraid of appearing like "simpletons" if they claim to be believers. A certain defeatism (lack of hope?) gnaws at the best and breaks all spirit of initiative.