A Priest on a Cruise
Father Massimo Donghi told his parishioners that he was going on a religious retreat. Instead, he boarded the ill-fated cruise ship, Costa Concordia.
Father Donghi, who joined the priesthood after studying at a theological seminary in Milan, will now have to explain himself to his parishioners in Besana Brianza, near Monza in northern Italy.
Church-goers had imagined he had signed up for a week of simple living and religious devotion, rather than a cruise on board a ship which boasts spas, saunas, jacuzzis, four swimming pools, five restaurants, 13 bars, a casino and a discotheque.
He evacuated safely -- he was on board with his nephew, apparently, which is how the truth came out -- and now has a sticky few days ahead of him as he tries to explain to his parishioners just what he was contemplating on that contemplative retreat. On the other hand, maybe it won't be so sticky. Fr. Donghi certainly sounds confident:
“What do you want me to say?” the priest told an Italian news magazine, Panorama. “I have nothing to add. Im OK although I’m still a bit in shock. I will talk to my parishioners in church. The judgment of others is not important to me.”
Inside every large disaster, there are dozens of dark little comedies.
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Jan '11
Re: A Priest on a Cruise
<sound of palm slapping forehead>
Jan '11
Re: A Priest on a Cruise
So, let me get this straight ... Donghi was on a dingy?
On the other hand, diocesan priests usually don't take a vow of poverty. The regular parish priests, unlike "order" priests like Franciscans, Jesuits, Augustinians, etc., don't take a vow of poverty. They can hold property, make investments, and assemble a hefty inheritance if they want to.
A few years ago, a priest from my high school outside Philadelphia went to Atlantic City, pulled a lever on a one-armed bandit, and next thing you know he hit for a couple million dollars. As it was, he was legally entitled - both in civil and in canon law - to every dime of it. To his credit, this priest immediately donated it all to charity - but he donated it voluntarily, not because he had to.
So I don't know what to make of the story. On one hand, it could all be perfectly innocent. But in this day and age, one immediately wonders if he went on the cruise alone. And let's not kid each other, I'm immediately wondering who that nephew was.
Sad that it's come to this ...
Nov '10
Re: A Priest on a Cruise
LOL - I am seeing a "Jonah" parallel in this.
Aug '10
Re: A Priest on a Cruise
You were missed on the cruise as you were busy with your show, in retrospect you were the one that missed dark dramas while you were crafting a light comedy.
Donghi on a dinghy was the message, but Donghi in a Donzi was his dream. Donghi in the drink was reality. But redemption and baptism were his theme.
May '10
Re: A Priest on a Cruise
What is it with Catholic Priests and sinking ships? Father Francis Browne was an Irish seminary student who had a First Class ticket from Liverpool to Queenstown, Ireland.
A prolific photographer, Father Browne took the only surviving photos on board the ship's maiden voyage.
Jun '10
Re: A Priest on a Cruise
Bobbing around in a liferaft with only the clothes on your back is simple living. He just got there in a roundabout way.
Sep '10
Re: A Priest on a Cruise
Well, now that Fr Donghi has reminded us that lying is no longer a sin, I'd like to see him put his talents to use in the current Republican primary.
Jul '11
Re: A Priest on a Cruise
The account I read said he was aboard with his niece ElisaBettda and other family members who posted about their safety on Facebook.
Mar '11
Re: A Priest on a Cruise
If you're going to minister to the sinners, don't you have to go where they are?
Jan '11
Re: A Priest on a Cruise
I feel a little better ... I just wonder why he lied about it, then?
Apr '11
Re: A Priest on a Cruise
Wait. What is wrong with him going on vacation? Sometimes you just need a change of pace to clear your head and refocus. What do you expect priests to be?
Mar '11
Re: A Priest on a Cruise
Good. If other family was around, I feel more confident about him travelling with his nephew. I've heard too often of clergy on vacation with their "nephews."
Jul '11
Re: A Priest on a Cruise
KC Mulville
I feel a little better ... I just wonder why he lied about it, then? · 2 minutes ago
Not sure he did. Maybe we just don't have all the facts. Example being: If he spent a week on holiday with this family and then spent several weeks in "spiritual reflection" would that constitute a lie? I tend to be skeptical of items the press reports until I get more data points. My experience is that the press rushes to present the most dramatic version of events with out looking for insignificant items such as facts or truth.
Nov '10
Re: A Priest on a Cruise
"The judgment of others is not important to me.” If that is an actual quote, let him say it again --to his bishop.
Dec '10
Re: A Priest on a Cruise
Fake John Galt
KC Mulville
I feel a little better ... I just wonder why he lied about it, then? · 2 minutes ago
Not sure he did. Maybe we just don't have all the facts. Example being: If he spent a week on holiday with this family and then spent several weeks in "spiritual reflection" would that constitute a lie? I tend to be skeptical of items the press reports until I get more data points. My experience is that the press rushes to present the most dramatic version of events with out looking for insignificant items such as facts or truth. · 2 hours ago
Oh, yes! And the press especially likes to omit exculpatory evidence for Catholic priests and Republicans.
Oct '10
Re: A Priest on a Cruise
A timeout from tending the fock ? Humans are what they are, flawed. To place ones faith and futrure in such hands, one might as well go to Vegas a play the slots. One never knows. Proceed in such areas at your own risk and never complain if the choices fall short.
May '10
Re: A Priest on a Cruise
Nothing wrong with a priest going on a cruise--especially if he's with family.
But there is something wrong with lying to your congregation. If he did that, he needs to go to confession.
May '10
Re: A Priest on a Cruise
It was revealed to him in a vision that the ship would wreck and he selflessly sacrificed his retreat to be on hand to minister to the passengers and crew in their hour of distress.