Worried about the future of the Church

"Forgive us our trespasses,
As we forgive those who trespass against us."

St. Teresa of Avila says that, "distress over the public sins of the Congregation -- if they should become a common practice -- or about the harm that comes to the Church from these heresies that give rise to the loss of so many souls.... is very good; and since it is very good, it does not disquiet." (Collected Works Vol. I; The Book of Her Life Ch. 13.10)

So if you are worried about the future of the Church as I am in the wake of the resignation of Pope Benedict XVI, then rest assured that this form of distress is good.

One wonders if St. Teresa would even recognize the Catholic Church in its current form. She might come to the conclusion that the Protestants which she formed her order of Discalced Carmelites specifically to do spiritual combat with, had in the end won the battle. But rest assured that the final triumph will belong to the Immaculate Heart of Mary as Our Lady of Fatima has promised us.

It is like when Our Lady showed Hell to the children of Fatima. They said that if she had not already promised them that they were to go to Heaven that they might have died of the fright. So we may take comfort in the dark days ahead, that the gates of Hell will never prevail over the Church that Christ has founded. It will truly be a glorious time for those willing to face persecution rather than abandon the true faith of the one holy, Catholic and apostolic Church.