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 Fratellli, # 10

From Lucio Fontani,

 “Eminenza, I have been thinking I might want to become a priest someday. What should I do?”

Dear, Lucio Fontani,

 This is wonderful news!! There is no moment more beautiful than when a young man decides to dedicate his life to God!

However, before deciding you might become a priest, ponder whether you enjoy being anonymous, overworked, lonely, misunderstood, ordered around, pushed aside, falsely flattered, and disregarded… and did I mention being overworked? If you find all of these things enjoyable, priesthood may be the correct vocation for you.

And my son, while you do think of these things and try to retain goodly composure and sanity, you will be in my prayers.

 Yours In Christ,

Angelo Cardinal Fratelli

Tea with Cardinal Fratelli, # 9

From: Matthew

 “Umm…Mr. Cardinal, I just graduated high school and am looking for a job. Do you have any suggestions?”

 Dear Matthew,

Yes, show up at the cathedral on Saturday morning and I’ll pay you to whitewash it.

 In Christ,

Angelo Cardinal Fratelli.

Tea with Cardinal Fratelli, # 8

From: Jacqueline,

“All of my friends are married or going to school or doing other things and I am very bored. How should I spend my time now that I am left with so much of it? Help me, Your Eminence, I’m going insane!”

Dear Jacqueline,

Do not despair and do not go insane for neither of these experiences are very pleasant.  Having alot of time on your hands is a gift from God, a time to grow spiritually and mentally, and to meet some goals, such as finally dusting those dirty bookshelves in your office, something which I myself have been putting off for a long time. In addition to growing close to God in prayer, there are plenty, long prayers you can learn- or make them up as you go along like I do, you could pick up a hobby or two. Gardening is very rewarding.

In Christ,

Angelo Cardinal Fratelli

Tea with Cardinal Fratelli, # 7

From:  Adam

 I have a problem getting attention from women and they avoid me alot. I’ve noticed the way in which some women look at you and like to be around you. Can you tell me how to attract them?

Thanks,

Adam

Dear, Adam

First, I wish you would tell me how to scare them away!

 In Christ,

Angelo Cardinal Fratelli

Tea with Cardinal Fratelli, # 6

From: Jaques

“Help me Your Eminence… I think I may be addicted to milk!”

Dear Jaques,

If you find yourself reaching from the milk-jug before noon and having to warm up a glass before you fall asleep every night, there may be a problem. Yes, you may desire it with your pasta and think its creamy sweetness with a plate of cookies will solve your problems- but any addiction can be harmful. I know from my childhood that milk can make you fat and goofy. Yes, I am embarrassed to admit I was a rather pudgy youth because of my indulgence in milk… Anyway this is about you-not me.

 In the case you are truly addicted and feel that dairy is taking over your life, cut yourself off from milk and all milk-products and do penance!

In Christ,

Angelo Cardinal Fratelli

An Interview with Cardinal Fratelli, Part I

                              An Interview with Cardinal Fratelli ~

     



 “Good afternoon, Your Eminence, how are you?"

“I am very well, thank you.


“It’s the perfect day for this interview, don’t you think?

“Oh yes indeed."

“So, let’s get started. Can you tell us a bit about yourself?”

“Well, I was born on April 6^th, 1801. My mother’s name was Maria and my father’s was Francesco. It was my aunt Francine, who decided to name me “Angelo” after the angel who announced the birth of Christ to Mary.”     

 “So, were you raised very religious?”

“I would say yes. My parents took me to Mass every day and when I turned 7, I began serving at the altar. It was delightful learning all the prayers and gestures.”

 “Is this when you wanted to be a priest?”

 “Before I was 10 years old, I didn’t really think about much of anything like that. I didn’t get along with the other boys because I was overweight. They teased me. I think I just wanted to get away and our parish church provided a safe haven.”

 “How was your relationship with the priest there?”

“Very good! Father Paolo was rather impressed with my intelligence and ability to learn. When some of the other altar-boys began taunting me…for the usual reasons…Father placed me in charge of them. They did not like this at all! I remember one of their parents complained that I was “too young” to be leading at the altar and Father Paolo replied: “If your son spent more time serving and less time fooling around, he would be up there instead."

 “Did you have any friends your age?”

“Yes, sometimes I played with the postman’s son, his name was Vincent, but my best friend was Michele, a girl who lived next door to me. All the other boys left me alone when she was around. At least they were taught to be polite around a lady.”

 “How old were you then?”

“I was about 9.”

“Is it true you were sweethearts?”

 “Well, I would not say it like that. We cared for eachother and were just friends."

 “But she did kiss you on the cheek once?”

“Well…yes.”

“Tell us about your parents. Didn’t they die when you were fairly young? How did this affect you?”

“Francesco died first, in a riding accident when I was 11 years old. It was horrible. Maria died two years later, they say of a broken heart, but I believe she was fighting an illness. I was so sad! My aunt, Francine took me in to live with my three cousins, Iona, Francesca and Philomena. But, I was still very lonely. They played many girlish games I didn’t care for. Michelle did visit- but to be honest, I was rather jealous that she played along with them.”

“What was Francine like? Did you two always have such a tense relationship?”

 “Francine was loving and kind to me. She provided whatever I asked. We had a wonderful relationship. However, when I turned 14, she began urging for me to court Michele. I complied and dated Michele for a year but felt unhappy- as if I were being controlled.”

“Didn’t you have any feelings for Michele?”

“I truly did. But I wanted to do things in my own time. The prospect of experiencing romance at such a young age made me awfully nervous. Back then, people married young so it wasn’t unusual… I just suppose I was different.”

“How were you different?”

 “I didn’t want to marry. Since my parents died, I grew very religious and spent a lot of time at the church, working and helping with various things. I just didn’t think about marriage and Francine pushed it on me."

“How could she expect a 15 year old to think about marriage?"

 “Our whole family thought about it. Iona married at age 16. She had her first baby while I was still living in Francine’s house. You must remember, my family had a lot of wealth and influence. Marriages amongst the aristocracy were seen as vital, especially when the couple was young… I suppose best before they got older and opinionated.”

“So, where did your vocation figure into all of this?”

“I didn’t know when I was 17 and Michele, 15, Francine had already begun planning a wedding. I’d come home from morning Mass, filled with godly joy and told her that I wished to spend my life in the church. Merciful goodness, she was so upset! She told me that I was unsuitable for priesthood, that no seminary would take me until I turned 18 and that all the family’s hopes would be devastated. I don’t believe she meant to hurt me by saying these things. She was very angry.”

“What about Michele?”

“She took it much better. After being upset for a few days, she came back and wished me well. I even told her that she wouldn’t have much trouble finding a husband as she was very beautiful.”

“Did you ever regret not marrying her?”

“For a short time…however, I’d fallen hopelessly in love with the Lord.”