This is great news. I am continually gratified at how the Catholic church, and religion in general, were able to survive and wait for better times under communism. Remember that communism is officially atheistic, and that religious activity was discouraged and strictly regulated under communism. It says something about the strength of religious faith that the faith was forced underground and yet outlasted communism.
Not exactly. I think it depends on the nation.
The good example for that is Germany. In West Germany that was free from communism, religion is still present while the Eastern part of Germany (former GDR), is almost totally atheistic.
In comparison to this, Poland looks like an island where 95% of Poles, being asked, declare the Catholic faith, whereas some 80% practice the faith. According to independent polls, some 42% of Poles attend the Sunday Mass every single Sunday.