Urbi et Orbi

Here’s a true story that people tell me should be on Katie Degentesh’s blog:

On Friday I got off at Union Square and headed towards my dance class, making my way through crowds of people buying stuff at the holiday crafts stalls. A nun in full habit carrying a shallow tin pan was walking through the crowds as well pleading for money for St. Francis Orphanage.

I must have given her a look that she found less than friendly, because, as she approached, and tried to pass me, I distinctly heard her say, “Excuse me, CREEP.”

I was stunned, and so was another woman who was browsing the chic fleece jackets that are always on sale this time of year, who looked at me and said, “Did I just hear that?”

So I thought to myself a minute, and I realized it wasn’t right, that I shouldn’t have to take abuse from a nun.

I decided to look for her and confront her on her misdeed. I found her by the subway entrance, where three young people were handing her bills and change.

“You just called me a CREEP,” I told her.

She replied, in a kind of abrasive caw, “How dare you LIE?” The three young people scattered, muttering “I’m not going to get involved…”

And right to her livid, hornrimmed face, I said: “I think you need to talk to your god about this.”

Merry Christmas!

p.s. A quick Google search turns up lots of St. Francis Orphanages, but none in NYC.