Support for Pope Benedict XVI

It won't catch the headlines in the main stream media, but it is an expression of the extent of affection and support for the Pope from Catholics in the United Kingdom - and, quite possibly, from some non-Catholics as well.

More than 130 days of Eucharistic Adoration ...

6 300 financial donations to support the work of the Church in the Middle East ....

11 500 Mass offerings for the the Holy Father's intentions ....

32 000 decades of the Rosary ....

Aid to the Church in Need’s fundraising and marketing manager Patricia Hatton spearheaded the initiative.

She said: “This scheme has given a voice to all those benefactors who, in the face of media indifference and worse, believe strongly in the message of Christ. They are convinced that prayer has the power to strengthen the life of the Church.”

Meanwhile, many messages of support have come in to the charity’s office in Sutton, Surrey.

One message reads: “I am concerned that every opportunity should be taken to show the world, particularly the secular ascendancy here, that British Catholics are devoted to the Pope.”