Bishop in Sicily tells kids Santa doesn’t exist

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Category: Education/Family

Listening

Unlocking Word Meanings

Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.

  1. diocese / ˈdaɪ ə sɪs / (n.) – an area or district for which a certain bishop is responsible
    Example:

    After three decades of being a priest in the province, he was appointed as bishop of its diocese.


  2. youngster / ˈyʌŋ stər / (n.) – a young person
    Example:

    The speaker encouraged the youngsters to keep making art.


  3. underline / ˈʌn dərˌlaɪn / (v.) – to show or emphasize the importance of something
    Example:

    The problems in the project underlined the need for a better process.


  4. persecute / ˈpɜr sɪˌkyut / (v.) – to treat someone in a cruel or unfair way, especially because of his/her race, religious beliefs, or political views
    Example:

    Many of the citizens were persecuted by the dictator because of their religion.


  5. fault / fɔlt / (v.) – to find a reason to criticize someone or blame him/her for a problem
    Example:

    The coach was faulted for the team’s loss.


Article

Read the text below.

A Roman Catholic diocese in Sicily publicly apologized to outraged parents after its bishop told a group of children that Santa Claus doesn’t exist.


In a Facebook post and subsequent comments Dec. 10, the diocese of Noto insisted that Bishop Antonio Stagliano didn’t mean to dash the dreams of the youngsters two weeks before Christmas.


The diocesan communications director, the Rev. Alessandro Paolino, said Stagliano was trying to underline the true meaning of Christmas and the story of St. Nicholas, a bishop who gave gifts to the poor and was persecuted by a Roman emperor.


Italian news reports quoted Stagliano as saying during a recent religious festival that Santa doesn’t exist and that his red costume was created by the Coca-Cola company for publicity. Coca-Cola has said it copied the red suit from an earlier drawing in a U.S. magazine.


While several of the parents welcomed the bishop’s attempt to focus on the Catholic meaning of Christmas, others faulted Stagliano for interfering with family traditions and celebrations, and crushing the spirits of children whose early years have been disrupted by the pandemic. (AP)


This article was provided by The Japan Times Alpha.


Viewpoint Discussion

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.

Discussion A

  • A Roman Catholic diocese in Sicily publicly apologized to outraged parents after its bishop told a group of children that Santa Claus doesn’t exist. Why do you think the belief in Santa is important for some parents and children? Discuss.
  • The diocesan communications director Paolino said Stagliano was trying to underline the true meaning of Christmas and the story of St. Nicholas. How do you think he could’ve done this without offending any parents or children? Discuss.

Discussion B

  • According to Rev. Paolino, one of the reasons why Stagliano said that Santa doesn’t exist was to underline the true meaning of Christmas. What do you think is the true meaning of Christmas? Why? Discuss.
  • What’s a long-standing tradition or belief in your country that people still practice these days? Do you think it’s important to still continue this tradition or belief? Why or why not? Discuss.