America is at the crossroads too, the crossroads of a suffering world that is undergoing a crucifixion of Communism. And the long arm of providence is reaching out to America and is saying to America, “take up that cross–that cross of all the starving people of the world–take it up, bear it.” And America is presently carrying that cross.
Our great country does not know whose cross it is carrying. Actually, we are carrying a nobler cross that we know. We are bearing a nobler cross then we deserve. We have already saved the world from the Swastika, that would cross-out the cross and make a double cross. Now we must save the world from the hammer on the sickle. The hammer that would re-crucify men, and a sickle that would cut immature wheat in order that it would never be the Bread of Life.
And America’s role is to change these symbols so that, one day, men will carry hammers erect, and these hammers will look like crosses as they parade in the name of God. And the sickle will look like the moon under the Lady’s feet, to whom these broadcasts were dedicated, to bring you to God and to make Americans love one another unto the betterment of the world and a peace of human souls.
Venerable Archbishop Fulton Sheen
“The greatest persecution of the Church comes not from her enemies without, but arises from sin within the Church, and that the Church thus has a deep need to relearn penance, to accept purification, to learn forgiveness on the one hand, but also the need for justice. Forgiveness does not replace justice.”
Pope Benedict XVI
