The vigour of American Catholicism at the level of ordinary believers is in sharpcontrastto the severe institutional and financial problems that have engulfed the church since a scandal over child abuse erupted in 2002.
After his first two marriages ended in divorce -- asharpcontrastto his parents' loving 52-year marriage -- Lagasse is hoping the third time is the charm following his May 2000 wedding to real estate manager Alden Lovelace.