It's nice to have my atheism reinforced from time to time. We're paying $22 million for this B.S.

Jun 27, 2008 at 7:57 PM
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http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,23933181-12377,00.html

Body of holy man arrives ahead of Pope

June 27, 2008

THE body of an inspirational Catholic who died in 1925 has arrived in Sydney for World Youth Day.

The body of Pier Giorgio Frassati, who was beatified in 1990 by Pope John Paul II, has been transported from the Turin Cathedral to Sydney following a farewell mass.

Mr Frassati was only 24 when, after a one-week illness, he died of polio.

He became a role model for young Catholics because of his fervent faith and sunny nature and was noted for his charity.

At his funeral the poor turned out in force, beginning a devotion that has spread around the world.

On Wednesday at 12pm (AEST) his body will be transported to St Benedict's Church in Chippendale in inner Sydney where it will remain in the church for veneration until July 10.

The following Thursday his body will be moved to St Mary's Cathedral for a pilgrimage.

The coffin will remain on display in the cathedral until July 22.

The transportation of his remains was organised by Sydney Archbishop George Pell and World Youth Day co-ordinator Bishop Anthony Fisher in conjunction with the Vatican Council for the Causes of Saints.

A possible road to sainthood has been propelled by a vigorous campaign by Mr Frassati's sister, Luciana, who wrote books about him.

It is the first time the body of Mr Frassati has visited Australia.

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As a lapsed Catholic I hang my head in shame. I thought that this type of thing went out in the middle ages....

The good news is though that the Pope doesn't wear Prada!

Snowy,

Sometimes I just wish I wasn't a catholic, non practicing or not..

I too am a reformed Catholic, parochial school, the whole nine yards. I always thought the catholic church was wasteful when it came to money, crying poor during sermons, while behind them is granite marble and gold ornateness.

What a shame so many people are believing in this nonsense to gain their ticket to heaven. I wonder what the turnout will be.