Cardinal Timothy Dolan, the Archbishop of New York, recently shared his insights on the state of faith and spirituality during tumultuous times, emphasizing their growing relevance. During an interview with Maria Bartiromo on Fox News’s “Sunday Morning Futures,” Dolan remarked on the renewed interest among Americans in spirituality, referencing the rising sales of the Bible and other religious texts as signs of this shift.
"There seems to be a newfound appreciation for the role of faith, especially in our country," Dolan said, reflecting on how people are increasingly drawn to finding hope amid personal and societal struggles. This message resonates deeply as Christmas approaches, and Dolan prepares to lead midnight Mass at St. Patrick’s Cathedral, where he intends to highlight the theme of light overcoming darkness.
One significant discussion during the interview focused on President-elect Donald Trump’s views on Christian faith. Dolan conveyed his belief through their past conversations, stating, "I’ve had talks with him before... he takes his Christian faith seriously." He acknowledged Trump’s candidness about his upbringing, noting, "He can’t say he was raised as a very zealous Christian, but he takes his Christian faith seriously"—a sentiment Dolan believes reflects the broader shift happening during these challenging times.
Adding depth to his discussion, Dolan made historical comparisons, recalling past political leaders who have faced life-threatening circumstances. He referenced the assassination attempts on both former President Ronald Reagan and Pope John Paul II, stating, "The two of them met for the first time, and Ronald Reagan said, ‘Mother Teresa told me… she thinks the Lord spared me because the Lord has something special in mind for me.’" He recalled the shared sentiment expressed by Pope John Paul II, showing how faith can shape one's purpose amid threats and challenges.
That backdrop lends greater weight to Dolan’s assertion of faith's role within society, highlighting the impact of uncertainty and fear. He pointed out how experiences like assassination attempts have reinforced Trump’s belief, with the cardinal noting, "There’s something beyond me... it’s got a task for me." This reflection demonstrates how such challenges can evoke deep introspection and reaffirm one’s faith.
Dolan also touched on the broader implication of embracing spirituality during times of adversity. Alongside Bartiromo, he shared the story behind the decorations at St. Patrick's Cathedral, which highlighted struggles against oppression and sought to inspire hope—evidenced by the moving artwork of imprisoned Hong Kong freedom fighter Jimmy Lai, showing Christ on the cross.
"The Lord’s always inviting us to go out of ourselves. That gives us hope," Dolan emphasized, reinforcing the idea of faith serving as guidance amid personal sorrow and global turmoil. His insights echo the timeless message of Christmas: the triumph of light, of hope, and the perpetual invitation to seek something greater.
Even beyond the Church walls, the implication of faith's resurgence resonates across the nation, as more Americans seem to reject the perception of faith as outdated or irrelevant. Dolan sees this change not merely as anecdotal but as indicative of a larger cultural movement—a shift toward recognizing the importance of faith traditions amid modern societal challenges.
The cardinal’s reflections come at a time when many are searching for meaning in the chaos, offering reassurance through shared beliefs and communal practices. Observing this trend offers Dolan hope for the future, one founded on the notion of divine guidance and support.
During his leadership of midnight Mass, Dolan plans to engage with this theme explicitly, inviting attendees and viewers alike to reflect on the hope and light brought by faith. It’s during these moments of gathering—whether at cathedral services or intimate family dinners—that many feel the true spirit of the season, fostering connections and nurturing collective beliefs.
Cardinal Dolan’s message touches nerves about the potentials of faith to instigate change and nurture hope as people grapple with difficult realities, especially as he looks toward the New Year. Expecting this newfound appreciation for spirituality and community to continue growing, Dolan remains optimistic about faith’s role within the ever-evolving narrative of American life and culture.
