Abbey-Roads2

 Pier Vittorio Tondelli

The controversial Italian homosexual writer, who died in 1991 due to complications of AIDS, had been reconciled with the Church before he finally succumbed to the disease.  He died a Catholic.  I mention Tondelli today, as a sort of patron saint for those who struggle with the issues of homosexuality and Catholic teaching.

“Tondelli was fascinated with the works of Jewish mysticism, the Imitation of Christ, and the mystics like St. Teresa of
Avila.  “I love to look through them, to find and read stories, and the idea of holiness,” he wrote. 

In 1989, the Italian writer said, “Everyone that has been raised in the bosom of a religion has his own religiosity.  I have always tried to seek out not so much a discussion about the Catholic faith, but rather to express my own religiosity—without a doubt in the bosom of Christianity—which seeks out or questions its own positions, especially in confrontation with other authors.” 

Speaking about chastity after his conversion, Tondelli called it “a mystic virtue for those who have chosen it and perhaps the most superhuman use of sexuality.”” - Catholic News Agency

Reflections… 

I love his statement regarding chastity…”a mystic virtue…the most superhuman use of sexuality.”

“When he found one really valuable pearl, he went back and put up for sale all that he had and bought it.” - Matthew 13:46

“I assure you that tax collectors and prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God before you.” - Matthew 21:31

I also find it interesting that he enjoyed reading the mystics before his conversion.  Many saints read the lives and writings of the saints before their own conversions, - two that come to mind immediately, Iganatius of Loyola and Edith Stein - their readings led them to the truth.

[Reprinted from my archives.]