A Hard Faith.

The New Yorker's take (written by Peter Boyle) on the impact of the papacy of JPII on the Church in the United States.

It's excellent, frankly.

The hard faith preached by John Paul II, posed as a call to moral heroism, struck a startlingly responsive note with young people. By the millions, they made pilgrimages to his World Youth Day events chanting, “J.P. II, we love you!” and, in the end, they jammed St. Peter’s Square to bid him farewell. Skeptics suggest that the big crowds reflected the youthful urge to participate in a huge group experience, and that the kids who showed up at a papal rally didn’t necessarily show up in church. Most didn’t, perhaps, but John Paul’s pontificate undeniably shaped a generation of young Catholics that are more orthodox, and have a clearer understanding of the faith, than the generation they succeed. In the seminary, in religious orders, and on Catholic college campuses, they are referred to as Generation J.P. II.

[Hat tip to Rich Leonardi for this find. As he notes, there are lapses in spelling and editing, but they aren't fatal. And, yes, I know the link is from a Washington CTA affiliate--so, no, it's not an endorsement.]