Certainly, it is difficult to make the demands of the Gospel understandable to secularized people. But this pastoral difficulty must not lead to compromises with the truth.
A civilization inspired by a consumerist, anti-birth mentality is not and cannot ever be a civilization of love.
Evil too, will always be part of the mystery of the Church. And when we see what men, what the clergy have done in the Church, then that is nothing short of proof that he [Christ] founded and upholds the Church. If she were dependent on men, she would long since have perished.
In proclaiming the faith and in administering the sacraments every priest speaks on behalf of Jesus Christ, for Jesus Christ.
That Christianity gives joy and breadth is also a thread that runs through my whole life. Ultimately someone who is always only in opposition could not endure life at all.
An unusually good entry on the Catholic Herald entitled "Why Catholics should defend indulgences" gives a good account on indulgences.
It is a very good explanation on why they are a good that should not only be defended but promoted, and shows that it is entirely in line with Christian apostolic tradition.
Distinctions Matter
Distinctions Matter Forward
Missale Romanum
Pre-1951 Calendar