89 Comments

Re: "New York's Most Miserable Priest!" What a great profile of a fascinating man. Fr. Mike Lopez is the complex, scarred individual we all are to some degree and he has found a way to turn his experiences into compassionate support for the poor and created warmth and happiness. He is so right, that the Gospel does talk about the poor more than anything. I know many Catholics who would also agree with his approach, but find it hard to fight with the traditionalists. This line says it all: "Mass is less important than the buffet breakfast that follows." Thanks, Anne, for telling us about Fr. Mike. Your eye for detail and your curiosity in people without judgment shines through in your writing.

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Laundry room! Cats! Miserable, AMAZING priest! Anne, you’ve covered humanity in all its forms today as every Monday. Post perfection - another incredible read. 😊😊😊

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Now that is a swanky laundry room! I don't know that non-nyc residents will understand just what a luxury it is to have laundry in your home! And such a nice one at that.

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Macarena! What a sweetheart 😭🐱

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Nice. A very flash laundry! And we have a heap of wonderful Father Mikes over here in Australia too. I live in rural Australia and our local churches are incredible places, providing food pantries, op shops (cheap clothing and goods), community events and support on an ongoing basis. Plus I can absolutely recommend volunteering as a most rewarding pastime. (Sending good vibes to all Americans.)

Thanks Anne. 🤗🤗😘

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Proud to be one of the 800, and happy that you brought this one out of the archives for the 6,000!

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Wow, Anne, you really find the most interesting, fascinating people! If there were more priests like Father Mike I'd have a more favorable view of organized religion. But wait -- he's NOT part of organized religion, he's too smart to fall for the conventional b.s. Thank you for sharing this story again. Yes, it feels good to do something good. That's why Ayn Rand declared that humans are selfish. What she DIDN'T see because she was a shallow, stupid person is the difference of WHAT feels good to an individual, that's where merit comes in: to some, it feels good to torture kittens or to beat somebody up. To somebody like Father Mike it feels good to help poor people. He gives it away.

Ah, sorry about the Rand rant...

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Jun 5, 2023Liked by Anne Kadet

I’m intrigued by the all-potato diet! Can we learn more about that?

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Jun 5, 2023Liked by Anne Kadet

Fr. Mike is a dynamic, multi-faceted human being. He is able to serve those who are often forgotten because he remembers we are all connected. Maybe he'd be less miserable if other people in the community followed his lead and helped to uplift their small corners of the neighborhood.

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I remember the miserable priest! I guess that must mean I've been with you a long time. Happy Anniversary?

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Another wonderful post, Anne! And a great reminder of the amazing people out there who are dedicated to helping others.

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Jun 6, 2023Liked by Anne Kadet

Loved this week's issue. The perfect blend of laundry, cuteness and philosophy.

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Jun 6, 2023·edited Jun 6, 2023Liked by Anne Kadet

I absolutely love him! And much of what he says aligns with Buddhism. What a kind, decent, resourceful, devoted, funny fucking priest! It's interesting he snubbed the Episcopalians because when the profile began, I was certain that's what he was!

Also: gorgeous laundry room! And in your building! Enjoy!

And: I hope the kitties all find wonderful, loving homes. I'm so glad you called that number. What a great kid to put up those posters. Thank you for helping the cats! Meow!

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such a pleasure from the Atomic Laundromat past the google translations to get at cat mystery to Father Mike....what a piece of work, hmmmmm both of you.....thanks

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Rock on Anne! 🤘🏾

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Jun 5, 2023Liked by Anne Kadet

The priest has learned a lot about life and a lot about people. He is not miserable himself, but deals with people who are bordering on being miserable. And he is trying to get them out of some of that misery, which is often part of their outlook on life, which he also says. I hope that he takes enough time for himself to relax so that he doesn't get too overloaded and also that he makes enough time for his children and his wife. This can be a thin line to walk.

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