Che cosa?
What?
Say what you will, but this guy is kind of cool - in a Hollywood sort of way, I should say. Not in a Church way of course - because Catholics aren't cool - but that is another post.
I prefer art thieves or jewel thieves if someone is going to be a glamorous crook, although it appears the accused Monsignor Nunzio Scarano owned a fine art collection in his palatial apartment. "Many were donations" - he claims. Not that there is anything wrong with donations. [Likewise, please keep in mind the Monsignor may be innocent of all charges.]
These stories are so unfortunately fascinating...
Dan Brown should hope to write such fascinating thrillers about the serial corruption in Roma - from the la dolce vita stories involving the Abbey of Santa Croce suppression, to the Vatican Bank scandal, to the gay priest scandal - it is so medieval... Renaissance... Borgia-esque? One soon realizes there is really nothing new under the sun: the Church has been through all of these scandals before.
That being the case, if there is anyone more talented than Dan Brown reading this, you might consider writing a novel or a screenplay - with the right budget, director, casting, it could be a blockbuster.
I think maybe George Clooney could play Mons. Scarano - despite the fact Stephen Colbert looks more like him; Richard Gere could play Don Simone Fioraso, although if it were a comedy, Steve Martin might be a good fit; and Martin Short could play Monsignor Tommaso Stenico - drama or comedy - he'd be perfect.
Disclaimer: Of course I think it is terrible that there could be corruption in the Vatican or in religious life. I'm against it. Although, I can possibly legitimize this post by passing it off as a PSA for budding writers-film makers.
Che cosa? (That means "what?" in Italian.)
What?
Apparently nicknamed by fellow priests "Monsignor 500" because of his habit of flashing a wallet full of 500 euro notes. Pretty funny, in a scandalous sort of way.
ReplyDeleteThe 500 thing reminded me of an Inspector Lewis episode I just watched. Which may explain why I think these stories would make good mystery theater.
DeleteHe is a fascinating character. I like that he followed the advice of two of the greatest historical enemies of the Church, Machiavelli and Luther: sin boldly--if you're going to be a scoundrel then no half-measures! Fortunately for the monsignor God has more patience for the boldly wicked than the lukewarm, and so maybe he'll come around! I have hope.
ReplyDeleteThese intrigues and worldly compromises does remind me of other eras in the Church - I'm looking to identify some sainted reformer figure who will come on scene to reform the Church - like a St. Francis or Dominic.
DeleteUnfortunately it seems as though we are at a new stage of the life of the Church--its passion and crucifixion--and so I don't believe we will have any more great founders or any kind of "restoration". Following tradition, it seems that God's plan is for Christ's mystical body--the Church--to mimic the general trajectory of Christ's own life, and we've now reached the stage where Christ is abandoned by his followers. And so now the saints will largely be hidden--even if they do blog from Minneapolis--just as those who remained faithful to Christ were hidden in the crowds of those shouting, "Barabbas". And so now Christ asks us, "Won't you share my passion?"
DeleteScott - it is very interesting what you say here - I had the very same intuition several years ago. Although I think it was Louis De Montfort who said in the end times Our lady will raise up great apostles.
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