Disclaimer: What you’re about to read are my views and some of you may disagree with me which is okay because everyone is entitled to their opinion. Please know that I am not trying to slander the late Pope John Paul II. I think he was an extraordinary man who was also kind and compassionate, so much that he forgave Mehmet Ali Ağca, a Turk who attempted to assassinate him in 1981. But John Paul was also human and that is why I’m not really surprised by news of the intimate letters he exchanged with a Polish-American philosopher over the course of 32 years. The pictures tell even a better story. Tell me you don’t think John Paul and Anna-Teresa Tymieniecka were a couple! The only problem I’d say I have with this revelation is that she was reportedly married at the time. Other than that, I’m all for love and people not suppressing it. The Vatican must be restless and probably clueless on how to deal with this because whoever unearthed those letters is not about to stop digging for more “dirt.” And that’s love for you. It doesn’t ask why or take into account the consequences. It just happens. Most people don’t have ill intentions when pursuing it. They just can’t help being with that person. What’s more fascinating though are the things people have done and continue to do for love. In 1936, King Edward VIII abdicated the throne in order to marry Wallis Simpson, an American two-time divorcee. Can you imagine the uproar in Britain at the time? There are also people who kill and die for love even today. Back to John Paul, who knew he rocked shorts and was a good skier? I’m so used to seeing clergy in their formal attire, long gowns, caps and all. I never imagined that they dress down too. I think I mentioned before that I attended a Catholic Primary School but I never saw Nuns in anything but the Habit. Even late at night when they supervised us during Prep Time, which was usually between7:00pm and 10:00pm, they were always covered head to toe. Same at weddings, jubilees and other events they attended. I do have a male relative who happens to be a priest and I think he’s the only one I know who dresses casual. Sometimes at family gatherings, he turns up in Jeans and T-Shirts which I think is refreshing. My relative also owns a couple of cool cars and rental units. I think it’s unrealistic to expect these men and women of God to shun the amenities of modernity. They should be allowed to have private businesses if they want to, get cool gadgets and smartphones and even go out every now and then. Not to drink and pick up girls but to just have a good time. If we have Gospel Night and Family Movie Night, we surely can have entertainment spots for clergy. More importantly, the Vatican should consider serious reforms regarding celibacy and permit those who want to get married to do so. Denial has not stopped priests from fathering children or Nuns having abortions. Just saying.
