Making Sense Of Episcopal Scents Poem by Mark J. Schulte

The Archdiocese of NY is reportedly trying to shut down St. Thomas More, a healthy, successful parish on the East Side, so they can sell it and use the proceeds to fund the (arguably) unnecessary refurbishment of St. Patrick's Cathedral. Scandalous, if true!
This is dedicated to the Save STM cause.


Prelates residing on Episcopal seats;
ignoring the mind-set on 89th Street?
Are they distracted by Church balance sheets?
Nobody can really be sure.
But its smells kind of fishy to the-man-in-the-street.

St Thomas More was the Englishman's best.
Man of integrity, upright and blessed;
a man who stood firmly when put to the test.
How will his Eponym fare?
How would you fare with a church dispossessed?

St Pat's must be gilded, polished and shined:
Ad dei gloriam? - of the medieval kind! ?
But can we imagine what Christ had in mind?
Please read Matt 21: 12.
Are the Vatican - New York 'signals' aligned?

Incense is burning but my nose is upset!
The scent is distorted by Cathedral debt.
Now, I smell conflict with St. Thomas, and yet
when they preach to us - I smell nothing.
Of course! I remember. Pecunia non olet!

MJS NYC 12/6/14