When I arrived in Verona , around a year ago , I wasn ’ t fully aware of what I was in for and how my views of Catholicism were going to change . During my first month in Italy , I visited the grand basiliche of Verona , Padova , and Mantova . While I gazed in awe at these beautiful , meticulous structures , unsurprisingly I didn ’ t exactly feel at home . Now , this isn ' t a shock to anybody , why would I ? I ’ m neither Catholic nor Italian . However , my misunderstanding extends much further than that : it stems from both my lack of comprehension as well as a lack of contact with Catholicism .
It wasn ’ t until I met Elisa , who came to be a very good friend and who happened to be Catholic . In a similar way to which I didn ’ t really understand the church , the culture around it and the belief system it was built upon , when this friend and I got round to discussing religion , I initially had this same feeling of misunderstanding . It felt so abnormal to meet someone my age , who held
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what I assumed to be antiquated views on sex and marriage . I thought that Catholicism nowadays was mostly about priests and pensioners . I was clearly proved wrong .
As the months went by , we delved into conversations on religion and our approaches to life . I began to consider her views from a point of neutrality , in contrast to my initial attitude . While I had no intention of changing my views towards life and sex and marriage , by taking the time to chat and understand why my friend holds the beliefs she does , it allowed me the benefit of perspective and understanding . I enjoyed hearing the ways God helps Elisa , as well as going to church and speaking with a priest . It may sound strange but these actions function as a means to an end which many of us stride for , religious or not .
Clarity , morality , perspective , and the ability to reflect are all invaluable virtues to have in your life . Whether these are achieved
Source : Emily Higginbottom
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I thought that Catholicism nowadays was mostly about priests and pensioners . I was clearly proved wrong . |
Source : Alfie Hallsworth
through going to mass or a long walk in the park , it ’ s better to have them than not . My friendship with Elisa has taught me that , in a world where young people are increasingly sucked into screens and spend less time thinking and reflecting on life , it ’ s refreshing to have a structured way to prevent life from getting away . When it comes to values towards marriage and family , it ’ s refreshing to hear a perspective so different to what has become the normal reality in the UK .
It ’ s clear that my perspective of Catholicism , or shall we say modern Catholicism , has changed drastically . Through my friendship with Elisa , I came to respect and admire her belief , the value it represents , and how it enriches her life .
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By Max Kuhillow ( He / Him ) // Final Year ; Italian and Spanish |
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