Image: Eamonn Keogh macmonagle.com
A POPULAR priest has said whatever about the 50 Shades of Grey phenomenon, people should not forget the 40 Days of Lent.
Fr Kevin McNamara said despite the focus on the steamy movie currently packing them in at Killarney Cineplex, more attention should be given to the central message of the season of Lent.
To help him spread the word, the Rathmore curate, who spent several years attached to St Mary’s Cathedral, has erected giant banners on church grounds in Rathmore as well as neighbouring Gneeveguilla, Shrone and Knocknagree.
They read: “Whatever About 50 Shades Remember The 40 Days…Lent”.
The simple signs are capturing the public imagination and Fr Kevin is hoping it will help spread word of the importance of a prayerful and reflective Lent.
He told KillarneyToday.com that he has not been to see the controversial movie that has smashed box office records but he is not ruling out the possibility of seeing what all the fuss is about.
“I might go yet, if I get the time,” he insisted.
The film has put the spotlight on bondage but the no-nonsense cleric feels people might be better off if they got tied up with the word of God.
“The old message of Lent is all about punishment and the closing of dance halls but it is actually a very joyful season that gives us all time to reflect on where we are, where we are going and how we are getting there,” Fr Kevin said.
He noticed his signs are putting a smile on people’s faces but it has also encouraged a number of young people to approach him to ask him what Lent is really about.
“It’s good that it is getting a few smiles and if it can help anybody in the process then that is just fantastic,” Fr Kevin told KillarneyToday.com.
He shared his views on the 50 Shades of Grey movie on RTÉ Radio this Thursday morning and accepted an invitation from show host, John Murray, to accompany him to the movie to see what he thinks of it.
Fr Kevin’s radio comments won widespread praise from listeners and among those taking to Twitter to congratulate him was Fine Gael TD Jerry Buttimer who said: “Fr Kevin is a brilliant priest, a great pastor. Passionate genuine man who always leaves you with a thought to reflect on.”
