When it comes to keeping the Christ in Christmas, I’m no Scrooge. I have never been in favor of trying to make the Holidays generic but if there’s one thing I’ve always honored during this season it is the separation of Church and retail.

To me, a bearded Santa clone holding court in the mall evokes friendlier mental images than a Pope Benedict XVI-look-alike trying to balance screaming children on his lap while juggling a staff and mitre (hat).

To me the separation of Church and retail is not only necessary but essential. Otherwise, it’s a lot harder to blast the commercialization of the Season when religions are preying on desperate buyers too.  But this is Today, and in today’s world I guess nobody is above pocketing extra change — not even the Vatican.  According to an advertisement for Dillard’s in today’s The Dallas Morning News, a representative from the Vatican, Joyce Tibbs (somehow I thought she would be Italian), will be available this Saturday at NorthPark Center’s Dillard’s to help those who want to customize their
own signature rosary.

The ad says that customers can choose from a “variety of birthstone colors” from genuine crystals by Swarovski. The rosary will be made in their jewelry department.  As a bonus gift, while supplies last, a velveteen jewelry pouch will be included so as to safeguard that special rosary.  Total price: $38 for the 24kt. gold plated rosary. Yet, there’s no mention of how much each crystal will cost you.

I have a feeling some will be praying they have enough on their Visa to cover those Hail Mary’s.

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