All Comments on 'A Kind of Communion'

5* for me. That was awesome.

I'm not a religious man, not in the slightest, but this story give me some insight into blasphemy and sin - which are concepts that have no meaning for me. Thanks, Belle.

Beautifully written, as I'd expect.

Five and favorited. Nicely done.

What Can I Say? Absolute Perfection

So beautifully written, I think I'll have to read it again.

You were right, this does fit the definition of a taboo relationship, but priests and celibacy is a touchy concept and the enforcement of an unnatural lifestyle can be viewed as almost coercive. I once asked my husband, an epically-lapsed Catholic, if he thought priests should be allowed to marry, his answer was 'only if they love each other' which was no help, but pointed me at how he views the subject; denial of basic human nature and urges is dangerous and leads to things the scandals currently rocking the Catholic church, but also illuminates Joseph's inner decency.

The ending is sensitively handled, it could have been ugly and explosive, but what we see instead are two people who made and wanted no commitment to each other finding a decent and bearable way to deal with the outcome of their encounter; there's no endless love here, but neither is there hatred and bitterness, nor malice and revenge-seeking, just two people who are not in love, but not in hate either, and an innocent child who will grow up knowing there are at least two decent people who will set aside their past behavior do their best to provide a decent life for her. 5 stars

Please continue this story!

Beautifully written.

Wow. Massive, Intense! Well done

THE GOSSIPY CHURCH AUNTIES ARE EVERYTHING.

This was heart-wrenching and beautifully nuanced. So. Damn. Sad.

This is wonderful.

It tells of true love and true devotion

Great story detailing the failure of the Catholic church to recognize that priests are sexual, human males. Loved every bit.