Tea with Cardinal Fratelli, # 17

From: Mary,

“Your Eminence, we just lost our family-dog, Buddy. This will be my children’s first experience of loss and I don’t know what to say. Should I tell them that Buddy is in heaven? Should I tell them that animals don’t have souls and they just go away? Help, I’m tongue-tied!”

Dear, Mary.

My, you have such a beautiful name…but yes, about the dog. I sympathize with your loss. Animals can be wonderful companions, even when they steal food from the table and sneeze on you… It’s best to inform your children about death in light of God. In this case, I wouldn’t declare it anathema to tell them dear Buddy is in heaven. The Good Lord created all animals and I’m sure he takes them all back somehow. Moreso, their crying, tantrums and begging for another dog will be eased by explaining that one day, they may see Buddy again.

In Christ,

Angelo Cardinal Fratelli.

Tea with Cardinal Fratelli, # 16

“I am 42, a single mother and am seriously thinking about becoming Christian. However, there are different churches in my town and I don’t know which one to attend. I am just starting out with this and need a place that is comforting and accepting, where they won’t look down on a silly convert like me.

Sincerely,

Joyce.”

Dear Joyce,

Firstly, praised be God that you are considering the Christian faith! This will be so good for you and for your children- even if they are grown. Your spiritual journey will be hard no doubt, and confusing since there are indeed many, various churches which teach different things. Now, I’m not one to push and pry but the church that will benefit you most is one steady and well-established… anything founded after 1300 AD is probably no good. Also, stay away from churches that sing 60’s rock songs made into hymns…

Why don’t you come to the cathedral for Mass? I’d be very pleased speaking with you and sorting things out. This world we live in can be immensely chaotic and painful but verily, as you have discovered, Christ is the answer!

Yours in Christ,

Angelo Cardinal Fratelli.

Tea with Cardinal Fratelli # 15

From: Rebecca and Karen

“Dear, Cardinal Fratelli,

For our school project, we’re supposed to choose a role-model and write about them. My friend and I both decided to write our paper about you so tell us about yourself- and remember our grade is riding on this!”

Dear, Rebecca and Karen.

I am flattered that you see me as a role-model. God is the true source of goodness and only he can make me look good despite my clumsiness and vanity…

What should I tell about myself? Hardly anyone asks me about myself… Well, I am 34 years old, I grew up here in Lucca, which is in Tuscany, in Italy. My favorite things are tranquility and olives but I detest rudeness, disobedience and the color red. Yes, I know I must wear it every day… God likes displaying his wisdom with irony…especially if I’m involved.

In adolescence, I decided to give my life to God and become a priest. I treasure quiet, prayerful moments with the Lord when no one is around. Because I am the youngest cardinal of the Church, old age seems to ripen them for the job, I have difficult time getting respect, though it may seem odd to you. My secretary makes all these changes without telling me, my aunt behaves as if my decision not to marry is just criminal and when I meet people, they like to pretend my ring is invisible!

I’m sorry if most of this letter consists of my own vain prattling- but now, at least, you know something about me.

In Christ,

Angelo Cardinal Fratelli

Tea with Cardinal Fratelli # 14

From: Bill

“Cardinal Fratelli, let me be strait, I’m not Catholic but I’m not altogether opposed to Catholicism. My question is: why should we give so much respect to the Pope?”

Dear Bill,

Have you ever worked at a restaurant? We have many in Tuscany. When all the cooks work according to their skill and obey the master chef, everything comes out beautifully, the food tastes good and the service is polite. You may even get a free after-dinner mint.

However, when each cook is doing his own thing and ignores the head-chef, chaos ensues. The food tastes horrible, it’s burnt and the waiters are insufferably cranky… instead of dessert, you might get a pie in your face.

In every place, there is order and manager-ship. Without it, society crumbles. Common sense tells us that Christ’s Holy Church needs this too.

In Christ,

Angelo Cardinal Fratelli