“That’s me in the corner. That’s me in the spotlight, losing my religion. Trying to keep up with you. And I don’t know if I can do it. Oh no, I’ve said too much. I haven’t said enough.” — R.E.M., Losing My Religion, 1991
For most non-Catholics the image of a nun that comes to mind is most likely Mother Teresa, a kindly, saintly woman who devoted her life to helping the poor and the destitute.
For those who endured and suffered through 12-years of parochial school (heaven forbid, even longer), the nightmare reflection of a nun is a stern woman in a black habit with a steel ruler enforcing her litany of petty tyrannies.
When Almost DailyBrett washed his hands at the conclusion of four years at Pontius Pilate High School, there was absolutely no way the next steps in life would include single-gender classrooms or crucifixes on the wall.
Remember vividly in college being confronted by a 1970s Jesus Freak roommate, who asserted that yours truly was neither “reborn” nor a “Christian.” Almost DailyBrett replied matter-of-factly that he was Catholic.
“That’s not a Christian” was the misguided rejoinder. What? Ever pick a history book?
Recall pointing out that Jesus Freaks were first burned out on drugs, now they were burned out on the Lord. That assertion didn’t go over very well.
Even though your author is not religious — and this blog will never promote religion — there’s still a healthy respect for freedom of religion, not freedom from religion.
Visiting simply awesome St. Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican Museums (e.g., Sistine Chapel), one’s Catholic childhood comes roaring back, washing over long-suppressed memories. There is simply no way to be non-plussed by the world’s second smallest country (e.g., Vatican City), which serves as the capital of 1.5 billion Catholics around the world.
Regardless of one’s personal faith or lack thereof, a visit to the Vatican should be on any and all bucket lists. Besides Pope Francis (the initial Jesuit Pontiff and the first named after St. Francis of Assisi) is a pretty cool dude.
There are two entities governed from Rome: Italy and global Catholicism. Guess which one is the most influential, and it’s not even close?
The Word “Awesome” Is Woefully Lacking
The immense scale of Vatican Square, the jaw-dropping size-and-scope of St. Peter’s Basilica, the heavenly works of Michelangelo in the Sistine Chapel are simply indescribable. It’s impossible not to be impressed.
And yet Catholicism, similar to all human institutions, is fallible. The religion’s history includes witch burnings, foolish crusades, morally wrong selling of indulgences (thank you Martin Luther) and the deceptive transferring of pedophile priests from one parish to another.
Watching and re-watching the 2016 Oscar-winning best picture, “Spotlight,” illustrates what can go wrong when blind arrogance took control of Catholicism. Literally thousands suffered at the hands of pedophile priests, monsignors, bishops, cardinals and maybe even a complicit pope.
Almost DailyBrett can state ex-cathedra when it comes to the Over/Under on Catholicism doing good in the world, it’s very easy to pick the Over. The living proof are the millions that have been educated by the nuns and priests in parochial schools and colleges, the millions that have been treated in Catholic hospitals, the millions that have been aided by Catholic charities (e.g., St. Vincent de Paul).
Maybe the most important factor are the people who just have a happier outlook on life. A once-in-lifetime visit to Vatican City will never fail to leave a lasting impression. A pilgrimage can even brighten one’s prospects about the remaining days on Planet Earth, and maybe if you wish the next posthumous chapter.
(Almost) DailyBrett 