[Sooth2222]

The night before the conference, the pope abruptly quashed both measures. The bishops were left reeling, and lay Catholics were stunned and dismayed.

I was Catholic educated (through Jesuit college) and I have to say that I'm proud to be pagan at this time in my life.

I attended a (Jesuit) college friend's funeral a few months ago. Not even the vaguest hint of Catholicism at the funeral -- so maybe I'm not alone.

I've told my wife to just give me a Norse pagan funeral (or as close to one as EPA and state and local laws and regulations will allow).

[Mrs. Don-o]

Paganism leads nowhere. You expect to make it big in Valhalla?

Keep in mind that the very first "collegial" act ever done by our first bishops, the Apostles, was to run like scalded cats out of Gethsemane. Abandoning the Lord. That was right after Peter, James and John fell asleep when the Lord implored them to pray with Him one hours.

The only one who was worth his salt, on that dreadful Friday, was John, who remained at the Cross embracing Christ's ruined, bloody feet, and consoling His Mother.

I know my weakness, but I intend to stay with John, Mary, and Christ on the cross. Because at that moment, that was the Church.