Succisa Virescit

Good news from Anthony Esolen regarding the Catholic Church in Sweden. Excerpt:

First, there is a growing interest in Catholic theology, evidenced by the increased demand for individual courses as well as for a degree program in Catholic theology. The Swedish Government deemed it appropriate to fund the Institute for a total of 100 full time students, which it is expected to achieve within 2-3 years.

The Newman Institute has also witnessed the growth of the Catholic church in Sweden by the increased material support given by Catholic benefactors to the Institute during the past 10 years. This support has helped the Institute realize many of its goals, although the Institute continues to rely heavily on financial donations from abroad, including from the US.

Another sign of the rejuvenation of the Church in Sweden is the Diocesan seminary program, which now has a new seminary building, and has seen an increase in the number of seminarians in formation. (Seminarians receive most of their philosophy and theology training at the Newman Institute).

Further evidence of a rebirth is seen in the local Catholic parish in Uppsala, which is staffed by the same Jesuits who started the Newman Institute. In the past 50 years, the parish has moved from a small chapel in the Jesuit residence to its own church building in central Uppsala, and the number of registered families has increased dramatically, due in large part to Catholic immigration, but also to conversions among native Swedes. St. Lars is a vibrant congregation, with active prayer and social ministry groups, several youth groups, and a comprehensive religious education program.