As a former altar boy from age 6 (Our Lady of the Annunciation Church, Hull, Quebec), an ex-Seminarian Grades 9-11 (St. Pius X, Minor Preparatory Seminary for Boys, Ottawa, Ontario) but a somewhat lapsed Catholic I was delighted with the endorsement from the Vatican News Organization naming The Blues Brothers film as approved viewing for the world’s one billion plus Catholics.
My local Monsignor will immediately be receiving a check for parish needs (The Cathedral of St. Telesphore and Chrisostome).
Many Catholics like myself have naturally been disheartened by the abuse scandals of the past few decades. Many of us also differ from the Church on the celibacy and birth control dica. Until yesterday the Catholic Church was an increasingly diminished component of my own personal faith however this direct outreach from the cultural arm of the Vatican reminds me that it is still my church. It is good to know that my allegiance is intact and so readily retrievable.
The Holy See has recognized the sound Judeo-Christian spirit of the film with its depiction and indeed promotion of charity, tolerance, loyalty, justice, forgiveness and Christ’s love of prison inmates.
So henceforth now after 30 years my interests in the health, comfort and guidance of his Holy Father, the Vatican, Rome, the great Chicago clerical giant Archbishop Marcinkus plus every priest, nun, sister, brother, deacon, prelate, canon, bishop, archbishop and cardinal will be paramount and prioritized during my prayer time forever.
Also with this acknowledgment comes recognition from the Church that Blues culture is rooted in gospel music and American religious tradition. James Brown was a Reverend; Aretha comes from a Gospel family and Ray Charles played organ in church. They were the True Missionaries from God with their gifts of talent and faith. As James used to say to me: “God needs us as much as we need Him.”
On a personal level this certification has thrilled my French Canadian mother beyond earthly measure. Please Holy Father send me credentials from the Vatican Investigative Agency – DAN AYKROYD, CERTIFIED VATICAN APPROVED FILMMAKER. Thank you. Amen.
On a continuing professional level my partner James Belushi, the blood brother of Jake Blues manages play dates for our current band – The Blues Brothers Formal Classic Revue. He would, at my request accept a proposal from any charity office directly linked to the Catholic Church H.Q. in Rome should it wish to engage us in service of a worthwhile philanthropic cause. Elwood and ‘Zee’ (Zurashaida – Almighty God is My Rock) Blues would be humbled and happy to bring our band along with willing original movie members. Our fees would be waived. All we would want is once-a-year cardinal’s private dining privileges and transport on any Alitalia plane on which my new agent Pope Benedict has flown.
Dan Aykroyd
Co-writer/Performer, Universal Pictures Feature Film Release – The Blues Brothers – A John Landis Film — Freshly practicing Roman Catholic