My wife's grandfather was the first in her bloodline to emigrate from Sicily, at a time when life revolved around the church. From 1919 to 1924, he worked in America and saved money to bring his wife here. During that time he taught himself English by reading books. In the process, he became educated.

When he went back to collect his wife, he had a lot of questions to ask his priest. These questions incensed the priest, who excommunicated the man - a very big deal as you might imagine. The grandfather made his way to Rome where he sought and was granted audience with the Pope who, upon hearing his story, instructed to priest to reinstate the man.

As I have drawn my own conclusions from this account, I'm wondering what conclusions others might draw from it. Any takers? Johnnie?

If you're just going to fan the flame, piss on it!