Cardinal, "People are not touched when we proclaim Catechism truths"

Hollerich: Not knowledge of faith required, but "response of the heart".

According to Cardinal Jean-Claude Hollerich of Luxembourg, it is no longer enough to profess one's faith in predefined words: it is important to express one's faith convincingly. People would not be moved by mere "catechism truths".

Luxembourg's Cardinal Jean-Claude Hollerich has called on Christians to express their faith convincingly. "This is the big rethink in the Church today, this is the turn it has to get: It is no longer enough to profess the faith in pre-set words, but our personal faith is called for," Hollerich said on Friday at a service as part of the Aachen Shrine pilgrimage.

"It is not knowledge of faith that is asked of us, but a response of the heart." This does not require sticking one's neck out on the street, Hollerich added, alluding to protests by the "Last Generation" group.

Engaging in conversation about faith

The Archbishop encouraged getting into conversation about faith in the family, workplace and elsewhere. "People are not touched when we say catechism truths, but they need to feel that we experience Jesus as Saviour and Son of the living God."

The Shrine Pilgrimage is an eleven-day pilgrimage to which the Diocese of Aachen expects some 100,000 pilgrims in the imperial city and neighbouring Kornelimünster. Bishops and cardinals from Germany and abroad celebrate services.

The focus of the pilgrimage, which has been celebrated since 1349, is on four relics on display in the cathedral, for example a nappy of Jesus and the loincloth from his crucifixion. There is no historical proof of their authenticity. The Church today sees them as signs that point to Jesus. The pilgrimage is combined with spiritual activities for children, young people and other target groups as well as a cultural programme. 

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Cathcon:  Catholic life is framed by the Catechism.   Cardinal Hollerich's version of Catholicism is whatever you fix your heart on and that can be anything. No wonder he is a Francis favourite.