Was Shakespeare a Catholic? Vatican newspaper says Yes
November 18, 2011
The Vatican newspaper has entered into a lively literary debate, saying that the works of William Shakespeare show that the author was a Catholic.
L’Osservatore Romano reviewed a new film, Anonymous, which examines the popular theory that the works of Shakespeare were actually penned by the Earl of Oxford, Edward de Vere. An accompanying article, citing many references to Catholic thought within the plays, concludes: “His identity may be open to discussion but not his faith.”
L'Osservatore notes that because of fierce anti-Catholic persecution, Shakespeare was forced to conceal his religious beliefs. Although the historical William Shakespeare was duly registered in an Anglican parish, the report notes that the Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr. Rowan Williams, agrees that the author of the plays was "probably" a Catholic.
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Posted by: thyorison9036 -
Nov. 19, 2011 6:42 AM ET USA
Gertrude is definitely an allusion to St Gertrude of Nivelles, patron saint of mentally ill people (especially those with a rat phobia), travellers, pilgrims, souls in purgatory, and graves. Please see http://www.thyorisons.com/#Gertrude_Garden (Gertrude in the Garden) and http://www.thyorisons.com/#Rebirth (The Rebirth of Hamlet)
