I have recently read an interview between a journalist and a very famous 67 year old British comedian called Frank Skinner. He is famous for his extremely indecent humour. I have never been exposed to his live shows and so am not aware of the extent of the indecency for which he is famed but even on TV, he goes about as far as it is legally possible to go. He has had a female ‘partner’ for a period of 23 years and they have two children. The interesting thing about this man is that he has a strong belief in God and is, in his words, a ‘practicing Catholic’ who attends weekly Mass, believes in hell and confesses regularly. It is heartening to come across a famous person who is willing to disclose strong religious beliefs. However, his confessors have been apparently reluctant to point out that 23 years of ‘partnership’ and many years of parenthood without seeking the sacrament of marriage might be spiritually problematic and that making a living by composing and delivering extremely lewd jokes might also be highly displeasing to God either that or all his confessors have been somehow unaware of his identity, his reputation and his domestic situation. Mr. Skinner is about to embark on a British tour and this presents an opportunity. If you ever want to communicate with a famous person who goes on tour, select a venue about half way through the tour and write to the intended recipient care of the selected venue with the letter timed to arrive a couple of days before the performance at the venue – they will probably read it personally. I am considering writing to Mr. Skinner to point out some relevant Catholic truths in an attempt to assist in pulling him back from the edge of the pit (God forgive any presumption in this). I have not yet drafted the letter but, as he indicated in the interview that he is interested in what others regard as his funniest joke, I did intend to open by quoting his claim to be a ‘practicing Catholic’ as the most amusing thing that he has ever said. Any ideas for the rest of it? (BTW the bidding prayers at yesterday’s Mass included an appeal to God to grant success to the Pope’s efforts to make the Church more ‘inclusive and welcoming’ or was it just a nightmare – no, it really happened).
Try something like: "knock knock" \ who is it?\ marriage\ marriage who?\ Dont worry, you wont recognize me even if you opened I made up the joke, maybe it will work?
Its very good and kind of you to take the interest and make the effort. I suppose just about the greatest gift we can give anyone is the pure unvarnished truth, especially were their Eternal Salvation is concerned. The only problem being that these days the very last thing anyone wants to hear is the truth. It never seemed to stop Jesus though; or John the Baptist before Him. But then again look what happened to them. But you never know. I hear even Russel Brand is converting, so anything is possible.
If I were to contact Mr. Skinner with any suggestions, I would put it in the context of setting a good example for his children. If he and his partner were to take the steps of confession and then the Sacrament of Matrimony, they would be acknowledging before God and all, the permanency of Marriage. So little is made of covenants lately and marriage is a covenant sealed in the presence of the Church, and sealed by God Himself. Also, humor is a by-product and natural reaction to the ironies of life. Approaching marriage as a sacred union demanding great sacrifice is an image of all that Jesus sacrificed on the Cross for the sake of His Bride, the Church. To sacrifice indiscreet humor as a means of honoring God would set an awesome example for his fans, and draw them closer to God. O Mary conceived without sin, may your purity find a home in the heart of Frank Skinner and all those his life touches!
I was just reading the case of a prominent Italian who made a visit to see Pare Pio. He was a Government employee I think in the USA he might be called and Under Secretary of State. He had not made an appointment or let anyone know he was coming. But he happened to meet a Spiritual Child of Padre Pio who git him whisked through . They guy admitted to this gentleman that he broken three vows. Although Padre Pio had never met him he knew about the three vows and refused to hear his confession until he fixed things. I read of Padre Pio doing this on several occasions ; once a very prominent politician came to see him in chaffeur driven limousine. Padre Pio shouted at him and chased him. I think that is one reason Padre Pio had so many total enemies. He just told it like it was, even to priests and Bishops . This earned him their undying enmity.
the most awesome conversion story I know is this guy, one of the founder of Los Zetas and palo monte sorcerer (for reference zetas was the worst cartel in mexico, every other cartel teamed up +the government to fight them) nicknamed "the antichrist" . Hes evangelical and not catholic but its a great story he tells.
