The Intellectuals

The Jesuit Priests are known as the Intellectuals of the Catholic Church. We had a friend’s son who wanted to become a Jesuit but was told he should become a Secular Priest instead. It was their way of telling him he wasn’t smart enough.

When we lived in South Carolina, our pastor was a Jesuit and he was totally ineffectual as a pastor. On Sunday, he sermonized for thirty to forty minutes every week to the chagrin of the parishioners. After meeting with members who complained about his long sermons, he promised to shorten them.  However, the next week he went on again too long but apologized by saying he felt what he had to say was important. (It wasn’t the least bit important and once again I was almost compelled to throw things at him) We did get an assistant pastor which excited everyone, but he disappeared within a month with no explanation to the congregation.

Our parish was made up of some very wealthy and influential people who decided to speak directly with the Bishop in Charleston with our complaints.  The Bishop’s reply was “Is he still there?”

Within a short time the announcement was made by our pastor that he was leaving for further studies within the church. He seemed happy with his big promotion and the membership was ecstatic because we would no longer be compelled to listen to his unending and senseless sermons.