I love the Catholics!
Nicest, funnest, most genuine people I have had the pleasure of associating with. As an outsider I have always felt welcomed. From the silent auctions at St. Mary’s when I was guiding the Monsignor around the bids with goblets full of wine, to the fund raisers, the car shows, the concerts that ended so abruptly due the wrath of mother nature, they let not only let this heathen in with his fist full of dollars, they welcomed me with open arms.
After I took this shot I had a very pleasant conversation with a passing stranger who looked at me with absolute amazement when I declined to join them for evening mass. “I’m non practicing” I said. “But you appreciate the religion?” they asked. “Of course” I said as I left them and they entered the church sporting a smile from ear to ear. I almost felt bad for taking them up on their invitation. Especially since they made me feel so welcomed and included yet they knew nothing of me.
It is experiences like this I wish I understood the religious draw. The need to belong. Absent that, I relish each and every encounter as I have yet to encounter a negative experience.
I love the Catholics!
