How ‘bout some blasphemy to go with your long weekend? [Klassik Magazine]

Nuns across America are not very happy with the Vatican. And since nobody likes an unhappy nun, this story is troublesome for me to report. It seems that nuns have been branching out into the community, not wearing their religious garb, choosing to live independently and are joining new professions like political advocacy and academia. In response to this trend, Cardinal Franc Rode, who oversees all religious orders, launched two investigations of nuns across the United States. He doesn’t like how they’ve “opted for ways to take them outside” the church.

So, that priest who organized the Miss Sister Italy contest? Well, his superiors, including the local bishop, weren’t happy with his innovative way of calling attention and praise to nuns and he had to suspend his project. “It was interpreted as more of a physical thing,” Father Antonio Rungi said. “Now, no one is saying that nuns can’t be beautiful, but I was thinking about something more complete.” [Reuters]

Next month, the first beauty pageant for nuns will debut. Anointing a Miss Sister Italy “will be a way to show there isn’t just the beauty we see on television but also a more discrete charm,” said priest Antonio Rungi. “Nuns are a bit excluded, they are a bit marginalized in ecclesiastical life.” But don’t expect nuns to strip off their habits and compete in swimsuit or evening gown competitions. While Antonio thinks that external beauty is a gift from God not to be hidden, the contest will take place online, with people voting for the nun “they consider a model,” he said. [Sydney Morning Herald, AP]