I'm not one to gossip, Bernice, but I did hear him shout,
'Turn in your cape and buskins, you filthy whore, you're a disgrace to the college!'
And should we care?
I noted two stories online that I kind of wanted to post and comment on, then I held back, thinking it may be more gossip than news. Then two respected Catholics online posted on the same stories I had been thinking of commenting on - one has an open combox, the other doesn't - so I'll just do my own post.
Remember Dave Stone?*
Life on the Rock host, Franciscan priest, left, got married? He's in the news again. Story
here. I'm thinking he's innocent of abuse charges. The story has inspired me to pray for him however.
- Moral of the story: Priests, only do spiritual direction in the confessional and never, ever get chummy with women - unless you're gay. What?
Cardinal O'Brien, the Sean Connery of the Catholic Cardinalate...
The Cardinal who had to turn in his cappa magna may have inadvertently brought unwanted attention - and threats of exposure to other prelate(s). Story
here.
- Moral of the story: If you are gay and you know it, don't become a priest. Refuse episcopal honors. Don't become friends and hang out with your penitents and/or those you direct spiritually. Stay out of the parks. What?
*Did I ever mention how I knew he might fall away? He was handsome, rolled up his sleeves on his habit, and just the way he comported himself on set. Nutty, huh? But I always go back to St. Teresa's counsel about vanity in a priest. She warned her nuns to stay away. It's a fine point of discretion - but one picks up on certain things. I've been fooled at times as well - so it's not infallible. Penitents and directees can fool themselves too - going after a certain priest one may esteem for any sort of reason - vainly rejoicing in natural goods for instance. Priests have to be very careful of this sort of thing in penitents, and not fall for flattery.
"Oh Father! That homily was perfect and you look really good in that semi-sheer alb with the lace hem - is it silk?"
