Genuine.

March 5th 2007:
I went for a run today with Fr. B (A ridiculously fit individual, Who I am sure could put me to shame, but always keeps to my pace and is to polite to speed up). Usually our runs take the form of tourist trails and interesting facts about the buildings we pass. Today though after the brief stop and chat with the Cardinal for Catholic Education (unbelievable who you can meet in Rome), I gained a glimpse of some things that were important to Fr. B. He spoke about the commitment you can either make to married life or celibate priesthood, seminary formation, vocation and philosophy – nearly every topic you could envisage a seminarian and priest discussing!

I got a glimpse of his genuine faith and belief in the person and message of Jesus Christ. He spoke of Jesus having the capacity to change lives. He spoke of the fact that Catholicism in the past fell short of preaching this message, save some genuine individuals who put Jesus at the centre of their lives and that there are some people within the church today in positions of office that do not really believe or realise the great gift the church has, but are more concerned with the institution and ritual.

When you get to the heart of any religion I am convinced that it can change lives by altering an individual's outlook and giving meaning, peace and purpose. As I said before isn’t that what religion should be about? I am sure if all religious people thought like him and had reflected upon their beliefs and faith as much as he has we would not have religious intolerance but confidence.