Mission accomplished: Vatican blesses Blues Brothers

nypost ^ | June 19, 2010 | TODD VENEZIA

[JoeProBono]

They really were "on a mission from God."

In a stunning move by the Vatican, the classic Dan Aykroyd-John Belushi comedy film "The Blues Brothers" was declared a "Catholic classic" alongside more pious films such as "The Ten Commandments" and "The Passion of the Christ."

The announcement was made in the Vatican's official newspaper L'Osservatore Romano, corresponding with 30th anniversary of the release of the film.

"As a former altar boy from age 6 . . . but a somewhat lapsed Catholic, I was delighted with the endorsement," Aykroyd said in a message to The Post yesterday.

AYKROYD & BELUSHI On a mission from God."My local monsignor will immediately be receiving a check for parish needs."

L'Osservatore editor Gian Maria Vian praised the flick for its plot, in which Jake Blues (Belushi) and his brother Elwood (Aykroyd) battle cops, neo-Nazis and crazed country fans in a bid to save the Catholic orphanage where they were raised....

[JoeProBono]

[Happy Rain]

Well isn’t that special.

[BipolarBob]

I consider this a life changing event, don't you?

/sarc

[muir_redwoods]

Look around, It’s obvious that the Creator has a sense of humor. It’s good at least one of the churches does too.

[big'ol_freeper]

RE: “Vatican blesses Blues Brothers”

Um no. L’Osservatore Romano did.

[JoeProBono]

[JoeProBono]

[Jack Hydrazine]

Pretty soon they will be official saints of the RCC.

[JoeProBono]

[JoeProBono]

[JoeProBono]

[GreyFriar]

Yes, it is special. They did it for “The Penguin” aka, the Sister who ran the Catholic orphange.

[ARepublicanForAllReasons]

What's not to like about The Blues Brothers? John and Dan made the Mother Superior the central motivating force in the lives of two misfits. What decency they possess comes from the Catholic orphangae and selfless service provided by nuns and other Catholics.

The Church recognizes flattery when it sees it. Why not recommend it? Besides, anyone who doesn't like Jake and Elwood has major problems. Best musical since Rodgers and Hammerstein stopped writing.

"Hey, there ain't nothin' wrong with that piano, man!"

[JoeProBono]

Sister Mary Stigmata (aka 'The Penguin') ran the St Helen of the Blessed Shroud Orphanage, where she helped to raise Jake and Elwood.

[B Knotts]

While there is an unacceptable and unnecessary level of vulgarity in the film, I've long thought it had some very Catholic themes, dealing with such things as efficacious grace (gratia efficax) (their car falls apart as soon as they get to Daley Plaza), redemption, purgatory (consider that they are "forgiven," but still must serve their time in prison), etc.

[JoeProBono]

[JoeProBono]

[ARepublicanForAllReasons]

"That's a lot of entertainment for just two bucks, folks."

[GreyFriar]

Blues Brothers Ping

[JoeProBono]

Blues Brothers "Soul Man" Live

[JoeProBono]

[ARepublicanForAllReasons]

Hmm, not sure who that Senator is, but he sure looks like one of those Chicago politicians.

[GourmetDan]

“Our Lady of Blessed Acceleration, don’t fail me now.”

[The Comedian]

L’Osservatore Romano needs something to do.

Frowning takes 68 muscles.
Smiling takes 6.
Pulling this trigger takes 2.
I'm lazy.

[yefragetuwrabrumuy]

Importantly, in the movie there is an important bit of ecumenism, which wouldn’t be missed by the church.

After being given their mission, they are in despair over how to raise the funds until they go to an Evangelical church, where Reverend Cleophus James (James Brown) inspires them to reform their band.

[JoeProBono]

[JoeProBono]

[EternalVigilance]

Willie ‘Too Big’ Hall:

“You’ll never get Matt and Mr. Fabulous out of them high-payin’ gigs.”

Jake:

“Oh yeah? Well me and the Lord, we have an understanding.”

[EternalVigilance]

The prophetic Jake Blues:

"I hate Illinois Nazis."

[EternalVigilance]

Reverend Cleophus James:

Praise God!

Elwood:

And God bless the United States of America!

[EternalVigilance]

Mrs. Tarantino:

Are you the police?

Elwood:

No, ma’am. We’re musicians.

[JoeProBono]

[EternalVigilance]

Elwood:

It’s 106 miles to Chicago, we got a full tank of gas, half a pack of cigarettes, it’s dark, and we’re wearing sunglasses.

Jake:

Hit it.

[EternalVigilance]

Elwood:

This is definitely Lower Wacker Drive! If my estimations are correct, we should be very close to the Honorable Richard J. Daley Plaza!

Jake:

That’s where they got that Picasso.

Elwood:

Yep.

[EternalVigilance]

Anyway...this has to be the line that made this story happen:

Elwood:

“I’m going to become a priest.”

[EternalVigilance]

Cook County Assessor’s Office Clerk:

Can I help you?

[the brothers back him up and lift him onto the counter]

Jake:

This is where they pay the taxes, right?

Cook County Assessor’s Office Clerk:

Right.

Elwood:

This money is for the year’s assessment of Saint Helen of the Blessed Shroud Orphanage in Calumet City, Illinois.

Jake:

5,000 bucks, it’s all there pal...

[zot]

Thanks for the ping. I haven’t seen this movie.

[max americana]

The “assessor” was Steven Spielberg..

[The Comedian]

Frowning takes 68 muscles.
Smiling takes 6.
Pulling this trigger takes 2.
I'm lazy.