While I was hoping for an American pope, I’m happy that he’s from the Americas! I’m even more thrilled that from what I’ve read Argentinian Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio seems more attuned to the mainstream Catholic flock than his predecessor. The new pope shuns excesses, embraces public transportation, and condones contraception (which completely goes against traditional Catholic teaching). And as a Jesuit priest he believes in fostering interfaith relationships—a huge departure from Emeritus Pope Benedict who butted heads with other faith leaders.
Cardinal Bergoglio has chosen to be called Pope Francis after St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals. There was a seagull sitting atop the Sistine Chapel chimney not too long before the white smoke billowed. Apparently a sign of the good news to come. Moreover, St. Francis is the patron saint of our beautiful city of San Francisco. How much are you loving this pope already?
Many people have seen this announcement of the new pope as an opportunity to state their hatred of the Catholic Church. Everyone has a right to their own opinion. I respect that, but as a Catholic, I can’t help but feel hurt.
I get it. I have vehemently criticized the Church’s handling of the sexual abuse against our children. It disgusts me and I pray for solutions and healing.
Yes, it’s disappointing that Pope Francis is against gay marriage, but we are not all perfect. We cannot expect our leaders to be 100% aligned with our beliefs. There are a lot of things I didn’t like about Obama, but did that keep me from voting for him? Hell no! Nor did I like the fact that Bill Clinton is a philandering sex addict, but does that mean I don’t respect him? Of course not! I love Bill!!!
Truth be told, Abraham Lincoln did not believe in the equality of black and whites. But does that mean, we don’t respect him as a leader who worked toward abolishing slavery? I won’t answer that questions as I hope you’re starting to understand my train of thought and can have some compassion for all of our leaders despite their faults!
Lastly, I take huge offense to people who blanket the Catholic Church as the devil in religious form. Someone said to me offhandedly today, not intending at all to be mean-spirited, “I didn’t think there were any good Catholics.”
Are you F*ing kidding me? Catholic people give. We cook meals for the poor. We tend to the sick. We donate our time and our money. Not just Catholics, but all religions. So don’t give me that crap that Catholics aren’t good people. Just go shove it.
And finally, it perturbs me when relapsed Catholics say they no longer believe in what the Church stands for. You clearly are not going to the right church! Do not let negative publicity and poor public relations keep you from spirituality that’s right for you. You must choose to find it!
I belong to a number of different parishes, but St. Agnes has a very telling statement on the home page of their website.
Welcome to St. Agnes Church
INCLUSIVE
DIVERSE
JESUIT
PRAYERFUL LITURGIES,
WELL-PREPARED HOMILIES,
AND GRACIOUS HOSPITALITY.
Saint Agnes draws
WOMEN AND MEN,
YOUNG AND OLD,
GAY AND STRAIGHT,
To what some call
THE LAST CHANCE PARISH.
It is truly Catholic—
ALL ARE WELCOME!
misssrobin
I am sorry people have been unkind and judgmental to you. Any organization is going to have weak members. There are always those who are members in name only, not in practice. I’m not Catholic, but I have a great admiration for those who dedicate themselves to the worship of God — in any religion. Anyone who tries to become a better person, who tries to improve their corner of the world, who serves others is a good person in my eyes. I am saddened when people lose their faith because their leaders prove they are human. Or because of the behavior of a few members of the faith. The truth of the gospel doesn’t depend on the people. The truth is the truth.
Congratulations on the new Pope. From what I’ve read it sounds like he is a good man who has great potential to bring peace, unity, and healing. He and your church are in my prayers during this time of transition.
Thanks for sharing your story. Stopping by from SITS.
Catherine
robin, your comment has made me feel so much better. thank you for sharing your very kind words. i wanted to make sure others read your comments so i posted it on my blog for everyone to read and included a link to your blog. https://catherinegacad.com/2013/03/15/reader-comment/
Tess
I didnt know there was such critisim towards Catholics (I am a Catholic). Sorry to hear that!
Found you from SITS
Catherine
thank you so much tess. looks like you are in the festive mood, getting ready for st. patty’s day. wish i could taste one of those cookies! i love the flavor or lime in something sweet.
Katina
It is exciting to see a Pope from the Americas and it us unfortunate that people used this announcement as an opportunity to show their hatred of the Catholic Church. I think the point for everyone to remember is that all humans are flawed. As such, our faith must be in God not man! God used flawed people in the bible to do amazing things and He still does. You have to remember, so many people get all if their information from media sources that their never investigate for truth.
Catherine
Oh Katrina, I love that…”Our faith must be in God not man!” Very well said. Thank you so much for making me feel supported.
Vegan Mother Hubbard
I feel like you are my Catholic kindred spirit! I grew up in a Catholic church and a Catholic family that believed in loving everybody and condemning nobody. I remember, as a kid, asking my mom why our parish held a support group for women who had had an abortion. I didn’t understand supporting a person who had done something the church was so against. My mom explained that everyone deserves a second chance. That everybody deserves love and support, especially after going through a hard time. That conversation colored my Catholicism for the better. I feel lucky that I was an adult, before I realized that many Catholics weren’t democrats. My parish and my family voted based on the words of Christ, not the words of the Old Testament. It is the blessing that has helped me keep my faith, even as the Church has been unloving toward so many people.
Catherine
sandra, thank you so much for commenting. it really made my day. i feel that there are many catholics and catholic parishes who don’t live by the letter of the law, but simply follow the spirit of the law which is being Christ-like and loving towards everyone. i’m glad you and i were brought up similarly. kindred spirits indeed!!!
thedoseofreality
Love this post. And your church sounds AMAZING!! Stopping by from SITS Saturday Sharefest.
Catherine
thank you so much, ashley for stopping by!
another jennifer
I don’t understand why people make huge sweeping assumptions about religion (and other issues). I think your church sounds great! I was raised catholic and am pleased with the selection of pope. I can’t imagine there is a pope out there that everyone is going to be completely supportive of!
Catherine
thank you, jennifer. just like there isn’t a politician we’re going to be completely supportive of. we are all human so no perfection in any of us. not even the pope!