Finally, an internet saint
2003-05-05 11:01
Thinus Ferreira
Cape Town - Deliver us from computer hackers, save us from internet viruses and let junk e-mail and internet pornography pass us by.
The Vatican is apparently ready to name Saint Isidore of Seville as patron saint of the internet. The Pope alone may name a patron saint, but St Isidore is receiving stiff opposition from Archangel Gabriel and Saint Alfonso Maa de Liguori, an 18th century poet.
Saint Isidore compiled the first true encyclopedia, Etymologia, comprising 20 volumes, more than 1 400 years ago and Spanish Catholics named him "protector" of the web in 1999.
The Vatican has been deciding for the past three years who will be the best saint for the internet. The website christianitytoday.com says the Catholic Church is preparing to name St Isidore patron saint after the Vatican's council for social communication ruled he is the most suitable candidate.
The announcement will be made with the Vatican's publication of a document regarding internet ethics.
On the web:
catholic-forum.com.
- Die Burger