I saw this little story last week in the Guardian
A group of Franciscan friars, absolutely fed up with the theft of bibles from their church in Florence, have taken the unusual step of praying for the thief to be struck down by diarrhoea.
Friars at the church of San Salvatore al Monte were angered when a rare and expensive bible disappeared from the lectern. THe were positively icandescent when a replacement bible donated by a worshipper also went missing and within a few hours.
In a note, pinned up in full view of worshippers, the friars say they hope the thief sees the error of his ways. But in case he does not, they add: "We pray to God that the thief is struck by a strong bout of the shits."
This turn of events will, they hope, "encourage him to carry out no further thefts".
"It is not exactly clean language," one of the friars said, "but we couldn't put up with it any longer. The Lord and the faithful will understand."
Despite my general anitpathy to the Catholic church I m heaartened to see that some parts are still in touch with its traditional heartlands. If not quite fire and brimstone the friar's actions are certainly cascara and syrup of figs!
While I do hope that the thief returns the bibles it would be good to think that he suffers a long bout of explosive diarrhoea for his sins.
If he is wise the thief will be making offerings to saint Polycarp for protection, Polycarp being the patron saint of dysentry sufferers!
A group of Franciscan friars, absolutely fed up with the theft of bibles from their church in Florence, have taken the unusual step of praying for the thief to be struck down by diarrhoea.
Friars at the church of San Salvatore al Monte were angered when a rare and expensive bible disappeared from the lectern. THe were positively icandescent when a replacement bible donated by a worshipper also went missing and within a few hours.
In a note, pinned up in full view of worshippers, the friars say they hope the thief sees the error of his ways. But in case he does not, they add: "We pray to God that the thief is struck by a strong bout of the shits."
This turn of events will, they hope, "encourage him to carry out no further thefts".
"It is not exactly clean language," one of the friars said, "but we couldn't put up with it any longer. The Lord and the faithful will understand."
Despite my general anitpathy to the Catholic church I m heaartened to see that some parts are still in touch with its traditional heartlands. If not quite fire and brimstone the friar's actions are certainly cascara and syrup of figs!
While I do hope that the thief returns the bibles it would be good to think that he suffers a long bout of explosive diarrhoea for his sins.
If he is wise the thief will be making offerings to saint Polycarp for protection, Polycarp being the patron saint of dysentry sufferers!
8 comments:
You don't read the Guardian do you, Jams?
Yes, a good refreshing bout of shits will do some good in this case. By the way, Google translation into Italian says "diarrea". Oh well...
I hope that Polycarp will also help old ladies who do not steal Bibles but suffer from the curse bestowed upon the mécréants. Good information, Jams. I posted it on my building.
Of course.
It think it is poetic justice Snoopy!
Ah Claude a good prayer to St Polycarp with have the runs slowing down to a walk!
I used to enjoy the days when churches weren't locked.
Oh for such days Susan
In amongst so many prayers heading his way I bet that one got the Old Guy's attention! A plague of boils is so 'last millennium', after all
Now here's hoping the old fellow does!
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