M
part 1
I would like to write this well. Because like most peoples' faith journey there are twists and turns. One step forward two steps back. Its ongoing now. I try to keep it real but of course I have my own blind spots and biases.
Short answer? its a cradle catholic revert story. Raised in a big loving catholic family. never rich but wealthy in love. Never missed Mass. Short stint as an altar boy. No rogue priests. No awful catholic teachers. No horror stories. And yet I know many people have bad experiences in childhood with rogue priests. It makes me sad to think some people suffered such trauma.
I had a charmed childhood. Little responsibility. Small town. Allowed to roam the streets and play all day with no fear of adult interference. The image of Jesus on the cross must haver haunted me. But still most kids take anything in their stride and don't let it bother them. Also when I came home from school I had a readymade social life. 6 brothers and my mother took in 4 boarders to supplement Dad's income. Dad was on the railways and had risen to traffic inspector. Still the extra money was needed. One of my brothers went to a special disabled school which required more money. therefore Mum took on the extra work. We had a huge house and so many interesting and unique characters walking in and out. Also next door there were 11 kids. We never had to knock. You never knew who was going to be home when you got there. it was never empty. Plus in the late sixtees my older brother would bring hoime all his high school mates for coffee and listening to new albums . Especially the Beatles. Sgt. Peppers. magical Mystery Tour. I feel prvileged to witness this era of music by the way. Mum never complained about extra people in the house. She was a bloody saint really.
I would like to write this well. Because like most peoples' faith journey there are twists and turns. One step forward two steps back. Its ongoing now. I try to keep it real but of course I have my own blind spots and biases.
Short answer? its a cradle catholic revert story. Raised in a big loving catholic family. never rich but wealthy in love. Never missed Mass. Short stint as an altar boy. No rogue priests. No awful catholic teachers. No horror stories. And yet I know many people have bad experiences in childhood with rogue priests. It makes me sad to think some people suffered such trauma.
I had a charmed childhood. Little responsibility. Small town. Allowed to roam the streets and play all day with no fear of adult interference. The image of Jesus on the cross must haver haunted me. But still most kids take anything in their stride and don't let it bother them. Also when I came home from school I had a readymade social life. 6 brothers and my mother took in 4 boarders to supplement Dad's income. Dad was on the railways and had risen to traffic inspector. Still the extra money was needed. One of my brothers went to a special disabled school which required more money. therefore Mum took on the extra work. We had a huge house and so many interesting and unique characters walking in and out. Also next door there were 11 kids. We never had to knock. You never knew who was going to be home when you got there. it was never empty. Plus in the late sixtees my older brother would bring hoime all his high school mates for coffee and listening to new albums . Especially the Beatles. Sgt. Peppers. magical Mystery Tour. I feel prvileged to witness this era of music by the way. Mum never complained about extra people in the house. She was a bloody saint really.
-
3
- Show all
