CNA<\/a>).- Fordham University students were treated to a rare opportunity last week when they packed an auditorium to hear Cardinal Timothy M. Dolan and television comedian Stephen Colbert trade jokes and discuss faith.<\/p>\n\tCardinal Dolan told Colbert that \u201cpart of my admiration for you is that, while you often tease and joke about your faith and the Church, there\u2019s no denying that you take your faith seriously, and look to the Church as your spiritual family.\u201d<\/p>\n
\t\u201cIn fact, when I met you last spring at a very glitzy gathering where you were the MC, the first thing you said to me was, 'Cardinal Dolan, tomorrow night I\u2019ll be with my son as he receives the sacrament of confirmation. Say a prayer for him, would you?'\u201d
\n\t\u00a0
\n\tThe event occurred Sept. 14 at Fordham University before an audience of 3,000 students.<\/p>\n
\tColbert hosts Comedy Central's \u201cThe Colbert Report,\u201d a faux news show in which he plays a caricature of conservative political commentators.<\/p>\n
\tThe evening was an opportunity for the two to trade jokes while also being open and honest about faith and spirituality.<\/p>\n
\t\u201cMy assignment was to share with you for a few moments what you might call the 'theological reasons' for laughter. Why would a person of faith be cheerful?\u201d Cardinal Dolan asked.<\/p>\n
\t\u201cHere's my reason for joy: the cross. You heard me right: the cross of Christ!\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\tEven though Jesus died \u201con that Friday strangely called 'Good,'\u201d and \u201cit seemed we could never smile again,\u201d \u201cthen came \"the Sunday called Easter \u2026 and God had the last word.\u201d<\/p>\n
\tThe resurrection and its message of the triumph of hope and light, Cardinal Dolan told his hearers, is the reason for Christian joy.<\/p>\n
\tBoth pointed to joy as an infallible sign of the presence of God.<\/p>\n
\tThe two took questions from the student audience, one of whom said he is considering priesthood and asked if it would be prudent to avoid dating.<\/p>\n
\tCardinal Dolan responded that dating can be good, helping one to discern, adding \u201clet me give you the phone numbers of my nieces.\u201d<\/p>\n
\tColbert joined in and said that it's \u201cactually a great pickup line: I\u2019m seriously considering the priesthood. You can change my mind.\u201d<\/p>\n
\tWhen asked about his favorite beer, Cardinal Dolan responded, \u201cWhy don\u2019t you take me out and see?\u201d<\/p>\n
\tThe event started when Colbert and Cardinal Dolan went onstage. When Colbert went to shake the cardinal's hand, Cardinal Dolan instead bent down to kiss Colbert's ring in a humorous role-reversal for the prelate.<\/p>\n
\tAfter that Cardinal Dolan told Colbert it was good to be with him, and that his nieces were fans and excited for the event. He ribbed Colbert, though, saying that \u201ctonight would pale compared to being with Clint Eastwood two weeks ago at one of the two national conventions.\u201d<\/p>\n
\tColbert discussed his Catholic faith and how he treats of it in his comedy. He is active in his parish, helping to teach religious education to children. He acknowledged that the Church is flawed and human, while affirming that there absolutely is \u201cgreat beauty\u201d in her as well.<\/p>\n
\t\u201cThe real reason I remain a Catholic is what the church gives me, which is love.\u201d<\/p>\n
\t\u201cI love my Church, warts and all.\u201d<\/p>\n
\tHe is adamant about his faith on his show; in a 2006 episode even recited the Nicene Creed on national television.<\/p>\n
\tHe doesn't joke at religion's expense on his show, but will take on individuals' misuse of religion.<\/p>\n
\t\u201cIf Jesus doesn't have a sense of humor, I'm in huge trouble,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\tCardinal Dolan assured him, \u201cHe does. He chose me to be a priest.\u201d<\/p>\n
\tColbert joked about the new English translation of the Missal, with its ten-dollar words such as \u201cconsubstantial.\u201d<\/p>\n
\tHe said, \u201cIt's the creed \u2026 not the SAT prep.\u201d<\/p>\n
\tThe event was hosted by Father James Martin, SJ. He often appears as a guest on \u201cThe Colbert Report\u201d and is the show's \u201cofficial chaplain.\u201d<\/p>\n
\n
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