Cardinal of Quebec Calls for "Awakening of Consciences"

In his recent book "God, More Wonderful than Dreams" ("Dieu Plus Merveilleux que Les Rêves"), the archbishop of Quebec states, "A common and solidaristic effort is necessary of the State, society and the Churches to create a new sense of belonging to a collectivity in which human values prevail over the imperatives of the market."

The cardinal criticizes the paradox of a culture "that pretends to be free and liberating," but that "multiplies the phenomena of dependence such as pornography, alcoholism, superstition and satanic cults."

Among other proposals, Cardinal Ouellet suggests the renewal of individual confession, the renewed effort to present the merciful countenance of Jesus, and the fostering of the spirituality of communion.

For the 60-year-old cardinal, who is an expert in ecumenism -- he was secretary of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity -- it is vital to "transmit the cultural heritage of which the Catholic faith has been the matrix to the new generations."