Ex Catholic Priest Reacts to Midnight Mass | Netflix Commentary | I Am Judas Project #54

When I first saw Netflix's Midnight Mass, my jaw dropped to the floor. Because I used be a Traditional Catholic Priest, the whole atmosphere of the series kept me in a state of haunting nostalgia. I had to share some thoughts with you all.
Please like and subscribe to my channel!!
If you would like to monetarily help me and this project:
ko-fi.com/i_am_judas_project
For more daily content:
Instagram: / i_am_judas_project
Facebook: / fcpalmquist
Twitter: fcpalmquist?lang=en
Thank you for watching!! Have a wonderful day!!

[@jflanagan81]

I worked on this. And want to thank you for your thorough dissection. Mike and I are both refugees of Catholicism (Catholic gradeschool, highschool, both altar boys)...and it's incredibly meaningful to hear others relate to the subtleties - and shames - that come from that life. Your perspective (as a former priest) is incredibly illuminating. Thank you for watching. For relating and for sharing your experience.

[@iamjudasproject]

What an honor!! Thank you for watching! ❤️

[@traceybrenneman2291]

There are many of us "refugees" and not just from the Catholic church. My background is evangelical - and I am so grateful to now have distance that allows me to utilize critical thinking and realize the dangers of the "message" I was preaching. Midnight Mass SO moved me. When she said, "I am that I am" - I felt complete exhilaration. Thank you.

[@chanceneck8072]

Like Chris Stuckmann and Jehova's Witnesses. His story really moved me....

[@sreeradhaseth176]

It's great to see someone associated with the series in the comments section. I want to thank you people personally for the show. Although I am an Indian and was brought up in a liberal Hindu family, I could relate to the show to a great extent. So did my brother. Our parents are generous and selfless people and they both work in the medical sector. They're both victims of religious brainwashing and it has not only destroyed them, but it had destroyed our family, well beyond repair. I used to believe in God until I saw how selfless people like my parents are destroyed by self proclaimed religious gurus. I believe this film is more relevant than ever, especially in a country like India where extreme right-wing nationalism is on the rise, backed by an atmosphere of religious polarization. I've seen what blind faith can do to people- it can rob them of their financial stability, their sanity, their family and perhaps their rational faculty. The show hit home hard. Loved the long debates between Riley and Father Paul Hill. Loved Riley's explanation of death and his acceptance of people with opinions opposing his own. Loved the overall theme of abandoning binary thinking in favour of something that's more complex, nuanced and inclusive. Thank you for this thought provoking series. I hope you guys make many more. ❤

[@DarlingMissDarling]

@@sreeradhaseth176 I really felt this. Thank you for sharing your story!

[@ericoliver1603]

my blood would boil (pun intended) everytime Bev opened her mouth to twist scripture for her own good. Like Paul literally murdered a man and she's using scripture to justify it. She scared me more than the bloody vampire

[@iamjudasproject]

😂🤣. Same!!

[@aryblack]

I agree!

[@stimela1000]

As someone who grew up in an evangelical christian family, with a preacher for a father, I agree. But I also recognised her. I've known many Bevs in my life. Those so locked in their own self-righteousness and hypocrisy that they are beyond redemption.

[@jmboyd65]

Because vampires aren't real. People like Bev are.

[@madgreensonunbound5801]

@@jmboyd65 Truth. I've never met a vampire, but I've met more than a few people like Bev. It's the same reason that "bully" type villains always hit harder in audiences than grand and horrific ones do. I mean, in the Harry Potter fandom people very often reserve their most vitriolic hate for Delores Umbridge over Voldemort because no one has to deal with a Dark Lord in their life, but a petty bully who abuses their power? People deal with that a lot.

[@thecompendium9607]

My favorite part of Bev Keene is that, just like in real life, she dies without ever understanding that she's the villain. So many stories redeem characters like her, but Mike Flanagan made sure she stayed a self righteous coward to the very end.

[@frankie3010]

Wonder why. Maybe because he is a Christ hating asshole.

[@pinkygunslingy]

I was raised evangelical, and this show really messed with me. Bev pulling up scriptures to justify the atrocities that were going on was something that struck me. A line that really stuck with me was Riley's mother telling Bev that God does not love her any more than anyone else and that it angered Bev that God loved Riley just as much as he loved her. That one hit for me.

[@Ujuani68]

Riley's mom was right.😄👍

[@HermicraftAddict]

More people need to hear that.

[@KatieLHall-fy1hw]

@@Ujuani68and that is the point. If you REALLY believe Jesus died for you and that God created you and wants the best for you, but that you have free will, then church is for YOU and you are loved just the same

[@tammybastion7419]

I found the character of Father Paul to be ultimately far scarier than Bev - precisely because he was so likable. Bev was easy to reject, but Paul was the one who started it and led everyone as far as it went. Mike Flanagan has a really interesting way of hiding very deep conversations under a thin veneer of "horror". I look forward to whatever he does next.

[@mariaah3073]

Right? There's a reason cult leaders are usually charming men, they need to appeal to the people, not repeal them. If beverly had been alone with the community and the "angel", without Father Paul, she wouldn't have managed to convince them of anything. It was the charming, miraculous, soft spoken man they trusted and admired who drove everyone to the end. Hating on Bev is easy, seeing the selfishness and wrongdoings of Father Paul takes a step back. The audience itself gets charmed by him to the point that most only see his "noble intentions" but not what he has done with them.

[@andromedastar4900]

Very true. Pruitt was the one who made the entire tragedy happen.

[@jschap712]

So you couldn't accept that he was a good person struggling with what was right and what was wrong, just as everyone else does in life, and ultimately choosing what was right after a descent into weakness? What's not scary is that a good person is likeable. What's scary is that even a good person can do the wrong thing.

[@els1f]

What's scary is that Father Paul's will always have Bev's right there WAITING for it to be damnation time lol

[@taylorrowe2002]

In 750AD, a priest experienced a terrible temptation to doubt the True Presence while He was saying Mass. As he pronounced the words of consecration, the host and the wine transformed into what appeared to be flesh and blood. In 1970, more than 1,200 years later, the archbishop of Lanciano, with Rome’s approval, requested a thorough scientific examination of the miraculous relics by Dr. Edward Linoli, director of the hospital at Arezzo and professor of anatomy, histology, chemistry, and clinical microscopy. His report, submitted on March 4, 1971, detailed the following results: The coagulated substance is human blood, AB blood type, with the same protein distribution as found in normal, fresh blood The host is human muscular striated tissue of the myocardium, left ventricle (heart); arteries, veins, branch of vagus nerve, and adipose tissue all can be identified Like the blood, the flesh is also fresh, living tissue, because it “responded rapidly to all the clinical reactions distinctive of living beings” as if the flesh and blood samples had been taken that day Histological tests revealed no sign of preservation techniques of any kind The Miracles in the Age of Science Until the 1990s, Lanciano was the only proven case of the Eucharist turning into human flesh. Other cases have not been tested with modern scientific equipment, nor have the many dozens of bloodstains on corporals and chalices that have been preserved and are venerated as having come from bleeding hosts. But in 1992, the miracles started happening again. 1992 and 1996, Buenos Aires, Argentina: In 1992, consecrated particles left on the corporal were put into water to dissolve and locked in the tabernacle, as the Church prescribes for disposing of consecrated hosts. One week later, they had changed into a red substance. Then again in 1996 after a consecrated host fell to the ground and was also put in water to dissolve, it was found a few days later to have turned into a bloody substance. Both cases were sent to be tested by the archbishop of Buenos Aires, who was none other than our future Pope Francis. 2006, Tixtla, Mexico: During a retreat, a religious sister who was distributing Communion looked down and noticed that one of the Hosts had begun to bleed and transform. 2008, Sokolka, Poland: A consecrated Host fell to the ground during Communion and was put in water and locked in a tabernacle to dissolve. A week later, most of the Host was dissolved except for a red “clot” that remained. 2013, Legnica, Poland: A consecrated Host fell and was put in water and locked in a tabernacle. Two weeks later a red spot covered one-fifth of the undissolved Host. Startling Scientific Results Each of these occurrences received intensive study with highly advanced technology. In several cases, doctors did not know the source of the material. And yet, in all the cases, the same results were found, and are consistent with the results of Lanciano, providing even more details due to more advanced science: The blood is human, AB blood type; human DNA was found; white blood cells, red blood cells, hemoglobin, and mycrophages were present, indicating fresh blood; in the Tixtla miracle, the blood clearly emanated from within, because the blood on the surface had begun to coagulate but the interior blood was still fresh, as with a bleeding wound The flesh is human myocardium tissue of the left ventricle of an inflamed heart; in the miracles from Argentina and Poland, there was evidence of trauma from the presence of thrombi, indicating repeated lack of oxygen; lesions present showed rapid cardiac spasms typical in the final phases of death In the Sokolka miracle, the remaining host is tightly interconnected with the fibers of human tissue, penetrating each other inseparably - as if the bread were transforming into flesh. “Even NASA scientists, who have at their disposal the most modern analytical techniques, would not be able to artificially recreate such a thing,” affirmed Dr. Sobaniec-Lotowska, one of the examining experts. Dr. Frederick Zugibe, a forensic doctor at Columbia University who examined the Argentinian miracle, did not know the source of the sample and told the doctor who brought it to him, “If white blood cells were present (in the heart tissue), it is because at the moment you brought me the sample, it was pulsating.” When he learned the source of the sample, he was shocked and deeply moved.

[@stimela1000]

It's not just Catholics who get this. My family are evangelical protestants. My father was a preacher. I watched this and had that feeling too. I felt this show on a really deep level. I could type a whole damn essay on the layers of symbolism, and the way the vampire myth was tied so perfectly into Christian doctrine.

[@ntlespino]

Subscribing for this essay

[@aiineenshah4897]

Spoiler alert As a Muslim I went in watching the show just as a horror story but man it impacted me so much. I cried at the end. Because it seemed so close to home for me. The racism by bev, the idea of few people interpreting religion in a extreme wrong way and the horror of humanity just broke me in tears. Last scene with the two Muslims dying with their own religion just left me in hiccups too which even I don’t know yet why it broke me more then anything else.

[@iamjudasproject]

Their story also choked me up. Their are human realities beyond the religious implications. Thanks for the comment!!

[@fxbear]

That scene with father and son facing the rising sun back in their faith really shook me. I grew up evangelical Christian & my boyfriend is Muslim. It was amazing all the way around. It’s been months and that show still haunts me.

[@aiineenshah4897]

yeah it’s pretty impactful

[@Lannisen]

As a parent I was kind of grateful that Sheriff Hassan died from his wounds before he'd had to watch his son burn. It felt like a mercy, and how screwed up isn't that?

[@Slavaisusukhrystu]

Randy seems to be a guy. Muslim women aren't forced to wear hijab, the “Light” verse assumes everyone is already wearing a head covering (as they did at the time) and just tells girls to cover their breasts (the horror!) Muslim men are literally allowed to marry Christians. The Quran actually says you can strike your wife after she denies you again and again, without anything hard or actually painful. Plus, most Muslims being Sunni, they will follow the Prophet’s sunnah: Prophet Muhammad never beat a man, woman, nor child. Do not lie.

[@SomaC-7]

The craziest part of this whole spectacular, mind-numbing series is that the word 'vampire' was NEVER used to describe the entity ('angel')

[@taylorrowe2002]

In 750AD, a priest experienced a terrible temptation to doubt the True Presence while He was saying Mass. As he pronounced the words of consecration, the host and the wine transformed into what appeared to be flesh and blood. In 1970, more than 1,200 years later, the archbishop of Lanciano, with Rome’s approval, requested a thorough scientific examination of the miraculous relics by Dr. Edward Linoli, director of the hospital at Arezzo and professor of anatomy, histology, chemistry, and clinical microscopy. His report, submitted on March 4, 1971, detailed the following results: The coagulated substance is human blood, AB blood type, with the same protein distribution as found in normal, fresh blood The host is human muscular striated tissue of the myocardium, left ventricle (heart); arteries, veins, branch of vagus nerve, and adipose tissue all can be identified Like the blood, the flesh is also fresh, living tissue, because it “responded rapidly to all the clinical reactions distinctive of living beings” as if the flesh and blood samples had been taken that day Histological tests revealed no sign of preservation techniques of any kind The Miracles in the Age of Science Until the 1990s, Lanciano was the only proven case of the Eucharist turning into human flesh. Other cases have not been tested with modern scientific equipment, nor have the many dozens of bloodstains on corporals and chalices that have been preserved and are venerated as having come from bleeding hosts. But in 1992, the miracles started happening again. 1992 and 1996, Buenos Aires, Argentina: In 1992, consecrated particles left on the corporal were put into water to dissolve and locked in the tabernacle, as the Church prescribes for disposing of consecrated hosts. One week later, they had changed into a red substance. Then again in 1996 after a consecrated host fell to the ground and was also put in water to dissolve, it was found a few days later to have turned into a bloody substance. Both cases were sent to be tested by the archbishop of Buenos Aires, who was none other than our future Pope Francis. 2006, Tixtla, Mexico: During a retreat, a religious sister who was distributing Communion looked down and noticed that one of the Hosts had begun to bleed and transform. 2008, Sokolka, Poland: A consecrated Host fell to the ground during Communion and was put in water and locked in a tabernacle to dissolve. A week later, most of the Host was dissolved except for a red “clot” that remained. 2013, Legnica, Poland: A consecrated Host fell and was put in water and locked in a tabernacle. Two weeks later a red spot covered one-fifth of the undissolved Host. Startling Scientific Results Each of these occurrences received intensive study with highly advanced technology. In several cases, doctors did not know the source of the material. And yet, in all the cases, the same results were found, and are consistent with the results of Lanciano, providing even more details due to more advanced science: The blood is human, AB blood type; human DNA was found; white blood cells, red blood cells, hemoglobin, and mycrophages were present, indicating fresh blood; in the Tixtla miracle, the blood clearly emanated from within, because the blood on the surface had begun to coagulate but the interior blood was still fresh, as with a bleeding wound The flesh is human myocardium tissue of the left ventricle of an inflamed heart; in the miracles from Argentina and Poland, there was evidence of trauma from the presence of thrombi, indicating repeated lack of oxygen; lesions present showed rapid cardiac spasms typical in the final phases of death In the Sokolka miracle, the remaining host is tightly interconnected with the fibers of human tissue, penetrating each other inseparably - as if the bread were transforming into flesh. “Even NASA scientists, who have at their disposal the most modern analytical techniques, would not be able to artificially recreate such a thing,” affirmed Dr. Sobaniec-Lotowska, one of the examining experts. Dr. Frederick Zugibe, a forensic doctor at Columbia University who examined the Argentinian miracle, did not know the source of the sample and told the doctor who brought it to him, “If white blood cells were present (in the heart tissue), it is because at the moment you brought me the sample, it was pulsating.” When he learned the source of the sample, he was shocked and deeply moved.

[@katjongeward7155]

Just like Walking Dead never says the word Zombie.

[@shay191919]

Good feedback. As a Muslim, I loved how they portrayed Hassan, and the final scene which was well done (the son on the left is leading the prayer, fajr prayer is done right before sunrise so perfect timing, the father died while prostrating which is the IDEAL Muslim death to draw nearest to God). Juxtaposed perfectly with Bev's terror in facing her own death. As for the whole Catholic bit, since IDK as much about all the rituals, it was neat to learn (like which color clothes--vestiments?--to wear during services). I also read the Bible this last year and noticed a lot of Biblical references, including I believe when Bev told the priest to get behind her (as if he's Satan). Then you have the "I am that I am" from Erin as she sort of shifts to a pan(en)theist, bridging her Christian with a more universal sort of spirituality she got from Riley. The priest was also a nuanced figure, and became much more relatable when you realized he wasn't just high on his priestly status and trying to be miraculous (you mentioned priests trying to be semi-divine and have God work through them all the time which is offputting to me). He acted out of love, and love is one of the highest human experiences and derives from God. So, even though he did some bad, he realized it in the end, and still was willing to be true to love, even if it meant shedding the whole priestly "attire." Granted, I found the parallels between the eucharist, vampirism, and cannibalism all very, very disturbing, and still was uneasy that so many people just embraced the demon "angel" when clearly it looked like an ominous, evil figure. Can't imagine anything holy from feasting literally on the flesh of screaming, terrified people, so it was still a bit odd that those in the end just sang the hymn and all was well o.O I feel like the best Christians were the ones who tried to escape the vampire, including Riley's mom who epitomized the faith (and Erin to a degree, although her faith seemed more nuanced).

[@JB-bm1to]

Amazing read! Thanks for sharing your perspective. I agree with you!

[@alexanderwilson3096]

As a muslim i agree too i also learnt that 'give so that your left hand doesnt know about what your right hand gave' (paraphrased) in terms of help and charity is mentioned in both Quran and the Bible didnt know that

[@hackbodies]

To the oddity you find in them singing, part of the Father's sermon during ash Wednesday is "That's What It Means To Have Faith. That In The Darkness, In The Worst Of It, In The Absence Of Light And Hope, We Sing." There were many other lines alluding to this ending such as "the sun shines on the just and unjust alike"

[@taylorrowe2002]

In 750AD, a priest experienced a terrible temptation to doubt the True Presence while He was saying Mass. As he pronounced the words of consecration, the host and the wine transformed into what appeared to be flesh and blood. In 1970, more than 1,200 years later, the archbishop of Lanciano, with Rome’s approval, requested a thorough scientific examination of the miraculous relics by Dr. Edward Linoli, director of the hospital at Arezzo and professor of anatomy, histology, chemistry, and clinical microscopy. His report, submitted on March 4, 1971, detailed the following results: The coagulated substance is human blood, AB blood type, with the same protein distribution as found in normal, fresh blood The host is human muscular striated tissue of the myocardium, left ventricle (heart); arteries, veins, branch of vagus nerve, and adipose tissue all can be identified Like the blood, the flesh is also fresh, living tissue, because it “responded rapidly to all the clinical reactions distinctive of living beings” as if the flesh and blood samples had been taken that day Histological tests revealed no sign of preservation techniques of any kind The Miracles in the Age of Science Until the 1990s, Lanciano was the only proven case of the Eucharist turning into human flesh. Other cases have not been tested with modern scientific equipment, nor have the many dozens of bloodstains on corporals and chalices that have been preserved and are venerated as having come from bleeding hosts. But in 1992, the miracles started happening again. 1992 and 1996, Buenos Aires, Argentina: In 1992, consecrated particles left on the corporal were put into water to dissolve and locked in the tabernacle, as the Church prescribes for disposing of consecrated hosts. One week later, they had changed into a red substance. Then again in 1996 after a consecrated host fell to the ground and was also put in water to dissolve, it was found a few days later to have turned into a bloody substance. Both cases were sent to be tested by the archbishop of Buenos Aires, who was none other than our future Pope Francis. 2006, Tixtla, Mexico: During a retreat, a religious sister who was distributing Communion looked down and noticed that one of the Hosts had begun to bleed and transform. 2008, Sokolka, Poland: A consecrated Host fell to the ground during Communion and was put in water and locked in a tabernacle to dissolve. A week later, most of the Host was dissolved except for a red “clot” that remained. 2013, Legnica, Poland: A consecrated Host fell and was put in water and locked in a tabernacle. Two weeks later a red spot covered one-fifth of the undissolved Host. Startling Scientific Results Each of these occurrences received intensive study with highly advanced technology. In several cases, doctors did not know the source of the material. And yet, in all the cases, the same results were found, and are consistent with the results of Lanciano, providing even more details due to more advanced science: The blood is human, AB blood type; human DNA was found; white blood cells, red blood cells, hemoglobin, and mycrophages were present, indicating fresh blood; in the Tixtla miracle, the blood clearly emanated from within, because the blood on the surface had begun to coagulate but the interior blood was still fresh, as with a bleeding wound The flesh is human myocardium tissue of the left ventricle of an inflamed heart; in the miracles from Argentina and Poland, there was evidence of trauma from the presence of thrombi, indicating repeated lack of oxygen; lesions present showed rapid cardiac spasms typical in the final phases of death In the Sokolka miracle, the remaining host is tightly interconnected with the fibers of human tissue, penetrating each other inseparably - as if the bread were transforming into flesh. “Even NASA scientists, who have at their disposal the most modern analytical techniques, would not be able to artificially recreate such a thing,” affirmed Dr. Sobaniec-Lotowska, one of the examining experts. Dr. Frederick Zugibe, a forensic doctor at Columbia University who examined the Argentinian miracle, did not know the source of the sample and told the doctor who brought it to him, “If white blood cells were present (in the heart tissue), it is because at the moment you brought me the sample, it was pulsating.” When he learned the source of the sample, he was shocked and deeply moved.

[@taylorrowe2002]

Islam is false religion. Jesus is not merely a prophet He is One with the Father He is God in the Flesh. He is the only one who can save us from the eternal wages of our sin which is death. There is One True Church. One Holy Catholic Church the Faith of the Apostles. There is no evidence that the bible was corrupted and we have the dead sea scrolls proving this. Most muslims say Christianity was corrupted in 150 AD but we have writings earlier than this and so much historical accounts especially from the romans who documented the Christians before 150 AD. Take Ignatius of Antioch for instance. And the beliefs align with modern Catholic teaching. The Bible is the Word of God not the Quran. I say this as a fact. Please research.

[@QuantumWalnut]

Came here because the show still haunts me emotionally. The final song of them singing by the beach is just the saddest but also the most beautiful thing. As someone who grew up being exposed to zero Christianity (or any institutional religion for that matter) this is legit an eye-opening experience. I can't determine whether the show is pro-Catholic or anti-Catholic because it's so multi-dimensional. In the end, despite all the horror, I think the ending was a resounding affirmation of humanity.

[@iamjudasproject]

Agreed! I don’t think it’s pro or anti any religion, but the peace that came to all the characters (most of them 😅) showed that at the end of the day, we are just all trying to figure things out and do the right thing.

[@justkenzie]

Erin's death made me think it's more a commentary against Christianity as her last monologue showed her surrender to a gnostic, antichrist gospel, especially with the blasphemous words, "I am that I am"!!!

[@021kelsie]

@@justkenzie but Rileys death ended up being more of how Erin described death. Meeting the girl he killed as she forgave him and reached out her hand. When they had their death conversation, she specifically said how they want death to go speaking for themselves only. If either of their experiences were the correct one, you'd think BOTH of them would experience it the same way.

[@wasneeplus]

This comment goes for me as well. I'd only add the part that scared me the most. It wasn't the supernatural horror stuff. It was the scene when all these people in the church started willingly drinking the poison. That just freaked me out.

[@ailuros]

@@justkenzie you smart to notice. Sorry bad english:)

[@keturahspencer]

I was raised in a pentacostal family and found this haunting as well. Father Paul was so compelling and felt real. I loved that his motivations and cognitive dissonance make sense. He's not "bad." He's flawed and mistaken while trying to be good, and that is frightening on a whole different level. Also, Riley being a skeptical atheist and not portrayed as an asshole who ruins everything made my heart happy.

[@malifex9922]

It seems very intentional that the church is St. Patrick's, named after the saint of another island filled with snakes, and now associated just as much with heavy drinking. A second watch of the show has so many clever little things like that.

[@iamjudasproject]

Wow!! Never thought of that. I’m going to watch it again in a few months.

[@justkenzie]

Nice! I'm super impressed by the layers that can be analyzed in the show, but I hadn't made that connection!

[@gozerthegozarian9500]

Well, the last name of the show's writer/director is Flanagan, which is an Irish name (although he is American) so yeah, the allusion might well be deliberate!

[@KatieLHall-fy1hw]

OH SNAP! I think you are right and they did that on purpose haha

[@fxbear]

I’ve loved watching people react to this series. I grew up in the church but being gay didn’t exactly endear me to many. I was forced into a, what are they calling it now, pray away the gay group. Conversation therapy. I left after 3 guys in the group committed suicide and chose that way out for myself, but realized before the act that I was a fool for trying to be what I wasn’t. I left seminary, came out, and never looked back. Then AIDS crisis hit and religious people were the absolute worst to us. I saw elements of this show play out on a national scale. Similar to what is happening now. Crisis really exposes people. Your reaction was wonderful and insightful. Thank you.

[@iamjudasproject]

Gosh… I would love to hear more of your story. That topic of conversion therapy is starting to gain traction again… damn… I’m happy that you made it through all that… 😞

[@fxbear]

@@iamjudasproject we have a few things in common except my seminary was southern Baptist, or frothing Baptist as I like to call it. I’m a wee (lot) bit older than you are. When I came out, they put people like us in asylums if you were lucky. The whole conversation therapy thing was pretty new. I had only been out a year or so when people started calling GRD, AIDs. I’m a little damaged from those experiences. I consider myself very lucky and more than fortunate to have found the love of my life. Sadly he died about 10 years ago. Rough seas my friend, rough seas. Those calm patches were glorious tho. The trick is, for me at least, learning to whistle in the storm. I’d love to talk to you more. Right now I’m very isolated living with my very kind father. Very few gay people out here though.

[@piusochigbochristian1079]

@@fxbear Jesus loves you. Make effort to know him.

[@fxbear]

@@piusochigbochristian1079 Bev. Jesus isn’t the issue. His followers are.

[@piusochigbochristian1079]

@@fxbear Yeah, but we can ignore the followers and be Christ like. Let nothing or no one separate you from the love of God.

[@monicar31]

Been dying to talk about this show, but no one will watch it. Grew up Catholic, loved it.

[@iamjudasproject]

It was popular here in Mexico, actually. I was surprised!!

[@somecheesyusername]

I realize I’m a year late but I’m about to rewatch a second time; I too loved it and would LOVE to talk about it!

[@JB-bm1to]

I absolutely LOVED this show. As a former forced-christian it did a great job highlighting the evil that lurks in churches and "holy people" disguised as good. I adored Erins "what happens when we die" monologue. It was beautiful and touched me on a different level. Hassan and Ali at the end doing their morning prayers was tragically beautiful. It made me so sad that they were innocent victims dragged into the cults psychotic happenings. They deserved better, but its also true to life. How plenty of innocent people fall victim to the church. Great video on your perspective! I havent been to this channel before, but I liked it a lot.

[@jordanmintz5811]

I loved Midnight Mass mainly from a writing/filmmaking POV, especially as a horror dweeb. It was really neat to hear your perspective since the setting of a small, insular, traditional Catholic community felt totally foreign to me (a secular Jew from the large diverse city of Toronto). A lot of the show's themes did resonate really deeply for me, though; trauma, self-destructive guilt/shame, feeling desperate for answers, seeking atonement, etc... Those types of feelings and experiences are universal and completely secular, which IMO is a big part of what makes the writing so impactful for (ex-)Catholics and non (ex-)Catholics alike! Also, I really appreciated how nuanced it was in its approach to religion. Like if Flanagan wasn't such a great writer this could have gone off the rails into annoying "ALL RELIGION BAD!!!" edgy atheist mode, but even though he clearly didn't make this as a glowing endorsement of the Catholic church, there were still examples of faith being a legitimately positive force in some of the characters' lives; Liza's devoutness is what led her forgive Joe Collie, which was a profoundly healing thing for both of them (even though Joe's redemption arc didn't end well for him, poor dude). Hassan said he wasn't all that religious growing up, but he eventually embraced Islam both as a way to honour the memory of his late wife, and to connect with his heritage in the face of all the racist bullshit he was subjected to in NYC. Erin's views on what happens after death seemed like a really healthy, constructive way for a spiritual person to cope with grief. Even the Monsignor was almost more of a tragic hero than a villain, since he genuinely believed that he was doing the right thing and saving the town, even though he ended up royally fucking everything up. Anyways, sorry for the rambling comment lol. Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts on this awesome show - I'm really glad to have found your channel, definitely stoked to watch more of the stuff you've posted about your experiences as an ex-priest!

[@iamjudasproject]

Welcome!! Thanks for you comment. I didn’t find it rambling at all. You bring up some great points. ✌🏻😎

[@chriskelly3481]

Isn't it funny that ones own boring reality can be interesting, baffling or even exotic to others? For me seeing the Catholic aspects of this show was like being plunged into my past without missing a beat (although I haven't been part of that world for decades). It was unsettlingly familiar. But to you it was foreign. Weird. But as you noted, the real meat of the story was a generally human one. Good show.

[@krpchnkva330]

I was raised in a small catholic community, as teen my interest in my mother's jewish roots grew and I decided to stop going to mass and taking communion because I thought it would be disrespectful to keep doing it while I was so confused about religion, man our sunday family dinners got hella awkward after that, I have an aunt just like Bev and she just couldn't stop herself from turning me into the elephant in the room.

[@iamjudasproject]

Omg. That sounds horrible. I really like the idea of eating as a family… but dang we’re they awkward. Good for you, btw, Not wanting to fake it no matter how many Bevs there are. Lmao

[@Syurtpiutha]

I found Father Paul an immensely compelling character. I was very worried at the start that he'd be portrayed as the villain, and was happy it was a lot more complex than that. Like most people he is struggling to make sense of the world around him and what happened. The discussions at the AA meetings were highlights for me. Flanagan is generally very good at creating genuine feeling characters (even if they are awful people). I highly recommend his other work too (Hill House & Bly Manor of course), his films Hush and Ouija: Origin of Evil (Ouija was terrible, but this prequel was actually really good. Especially in comparison). I was not raised religiously, but faith and religion has always had a fascination for me. The idea of a higher being (or higher beings, plural) with expectations and a plan for us? Terrifying, if I'm being honest (Not because I'm a sinner, though that wouldn't help). I never understood how people found the thought comforting. I prefer the nihilistic implications of my skeptical agnosticism, thanks.

[@davidokinsky114]

Flanagan also directed Dr. Sleep. That was a really good movie, but since it is a sequel to The Shining, it might not being for everyone.

[@Syurtpiutha]

@@davidokinsky114 True, that movie was fantastic.

[@salyx]

Don’t forget Oculus. That was the first of his works I watched and oh the dread was so heavy!

[@Syurtpiutha]

@@salyx Have not seen that one yet, but looking out for it.

[@thecompendium9607]

Erin's BRILLIANT monologue in the last episode is the most beautiful expression of my agnosticism/atheism I've ever seen or heard. I try to describe my belief in an 'always', but no one knows what I mean. I listened to her and thought, "THAT'S WHAT I MEAN!"

[@Darwinist]

"That scene" in the church where there is all the chaos reminded me so much of the audio recordings of Jim Jones and his People's Temple as they "drank the kool-aid"(spoiler - it was actually Flavor-Aid). If you haven't watched it there are some amazing documentaries out there on the subject, which is by and large forgotten by the public today despite how batshit insane it was at the time. I´m sure the show runners used it as a reference.

[@tylergannon7398]

People in the US are trying to forget that little American endeavor into Communism

[@fxbear]

@@tylergannon7398 wow. Super loaded remark, yet misses the point

[@tylergannon7398]

@@fxbear They were Communist. Not pointless, they literally had permission to move their communion to a Communist country and had a direct line to the Soviet Union.

[@salyx]

I keep seeing people saying “No one would drink that poison!” And I tell them it literally happened. We need to not forget things like Jonestown.

[@steelboss337]

The entire scene I was screaming at the screen, “Don’t you people know about Heavens Gate?!! Jim Jones?!! Auuugh” But then again neither of those groups actually witnessed a resurrection or had a real life angel at the altar. Pretty compelling reason to drink rat poison.

[@lemondrizzlecake7766]

very interesting to hear your take on this. I thought Father Paul was one of the best written characters I have seen in a very long time, and I found him absolutely terrifying. I grew up culturally catholic (I am Italian) so I definitely got all the references, but I don't believe this story is specifically about catholicism. it's about the dangers of fundamentalism and of cultish behaviours more than anything. Father Paul was so scary to me because he actually genuinely believed in what he was preaching. A Bev Keane we can all immediately recognise as evil, but someone like him? preaching with such conviction and unknowingly bringing everyone down with him on the path to destruction? absolutely terrifying.

[@iamjudasproject]

Yes. Unhinged and irrational belief… it can lead to the rationalization and justification of any action. ☠️

[@andromedastar4900]

Paul aka John Pruitt was the scariest one for sure. He was this kind, soft-spoken, Mr. Roger-esque kind of man, and used the you can catch more flies with honey approach. However, as the series goes on, you see this other side of him, when he yells, becomes increasingly unhinged as he completes his transformation into a vampire, and continues along his path of destruction missing the most obvious signs that what he was doing was wrong. And the most terrifying part of all is that he truly did believe everything he was saying and doing, was completely blinded by faith. He was the reason the entire tragedy happened yet he wasn't evil or bad, he was very complex.

[@darkbluglass]

really nice commentary / review. This was one of my favorite series of the past decade ❣

[@coalmorningstar4925]

i just finished the show and experienced so much catharsis. i was so angry and sad and emotional to see my mother onscreen and to see my religious abuse shown so graphically. i am an atheist who grew up very evangelical christian fundamentalist. i was taught that my gayness was a sin and would send me to hell and that my gender was strictly "how God made me". I tried to kill myself. i prayed for death nightly. my pastors and youth leaders would assure me always that i was within God's plan and i strived to be whatever they and my mother wanted me to be. I didn't allow myself to feel attraction or emotions other than guilt. and my mother justified all of her frequent abuse with words from scripture. i have been told many times that i am possessed and am told all the more now that i am out of the church, on testosterone, and with the woman of my dreams. my mother and bev keane are cut from the same cloth. and this show has me reeling, but i needed it.

[@iamjudasproject]

Well, I can relate to some elements of your story… thank you for sharing that. I too felt deeply what was happening in the series - it’s a rare experience to have something hit home so hard. It’s hard to find peace in our lives externally… life always crashes up against us. Interior peace is only possible: knowing that we are where we should be for this moment. I hope that you do well. Being open is a huge step. Thanks for making your comment. I hope to hear from you again!! ❤️

[@NotMyRealNamePal]

Thank you. As a formerly very religious person, this helped me see a little bit more clearly some of what I was feeling. The pressure to spiritualize EVERYTHING all the time and the way that, even with the best of intentions, this can alienate us from our humanity. It felt like Father Paul really wanted to genuinely befriend Riley, but at every point where he could have been vulnerable and just tried to connect with Riley, it felt like he would make a sharp course correction back to religious language.

[@taylorrowe2002]

In 750AD, a priest experienced a terrible temptation to doubt the True Presence while He was saying Mass. As he pronounced the words of consecration, the host and the wine transformed into what appeared to be flesh and blood. In 1970, more than 1,200 years later, the archbishop of Lanciano, with Rome’s approval, requested a thorough scientific examination of the miraculous relics by Dr. Edward Linoli, director of the hospital at Arezzo and professor of anatomy, histology, chemistry, and clinical microscopy. His report, submitted on March 4, 1971, detailed the following results: The coagulated substance is human blood, AB blood type, with the same protein distribution as found in normal, fresh blood The host is human muscular striated tissue of the myocardium, left ventricle (heart); arteries, veins, branch of vagus nerve, and adipose tissue all can be identified Like the blood, the flesh is also fresh, living tissue, because it “responded rapidly to all the clinical reactions distinctive of living beings” as if the flesh and blood samples had been taken that day Histological tests revealed no sign of preservation techniques of any kind The Miracles in the Age of Science Until the 1990s, Lanciano was the only proven case of the Eucharist turning into human flesh. Other cases have not been tested with modern scientific equipment, nor have the many dozens of bloodstains on corporals and chalices that have been preserved and are venerated as having come from bleeding hosts. But in 1992, the miracles started happening again. 1992 and 1996, Buenos Aires, Argentina: In 1992, consecrated particles left on the corporal were put into water to dissolve and locked in the tabernacle, as the Church prescribes for disposing of consecrated hosts. One week later, they had changed into a red substance. Then again in 1996 after a consecrated host fell to the ground and was also put in water to dissolve, it was found a few days later to have turned into a bloody substance. Both cases were sent to be tested by the archbishop of Buenos Aires, who was none other than our future Pope Francis. 2006, Tixtla, Mexico: During a retreat, a religious sister who was distributing Communion looked down and noticed that one of the Hosts had begun to bleed and transform. 2008, Sokolka, Poland: A consecrated Host fell to the ground during Communion and was put in water and locked in a tabernacle to dissolve. A week later, most of the Host was dissolved except for a red “clot” that remained. 2013, Legnica, Poland: A consecrated Host fell and was put in water and locked in a tabernacle. Two weeks later a red spot covered one-fifth of the undissolved Host. Startling Scientific Results Each of these occurrences received intensive study with highly advanced technology. In several cases, doctors did not know the source of the material. And yet, in all the cases, the same results were found, and are consistent with the results of Lanciano, providing even more details due to more advanced science: The blood is human, AB blood type; human DNA was found; white blood cells, red blood cells, hemoglobin, and mycrophages were present, indicating fresh blood; in the Tixtla miracle, the blood clearly emanated from within, because the blood on the surface had begun to coagulate but the interior blood was still fresh, as with a bleeding wound The flesh is human myocardium tissue of the left ventricle of an inflamed heart; in the miracles from Argentina and Poland, there was evidence of trauma from the presence of thrombi, indicating repeated lack of oxygen; lesions present showed rapid cardiac spasms typical in the final phases of death In the Sokolka miracle, the remaining host is tightly interconnected with the fibers of human tissue, penetrating each other inseparably - as if the bread were transforming into flesh. “Even NASA scientists, who have at their disposal the most modern analytical techniques, would not be able to artificially recreate such a thing,” affirmed Dr. Sobaniec-Lotowska, one of the examining experts. Dr. Frederick Zugibe, a forensic doctor at Columbia University who examined the Argentinian miracle, did not know the source of the sample and told the doctor who brought it to him, “If white blood cells were present (in the heart tissue), it is because at the moment you brought me the sample, it was pulsating.” When he learned the source of the sample, he was shocked and deeply moved.

[@kaaikoki4703]

This show was absolutely incredible. Former Roman Catholic, most of my family is still practicing. Like you said, loved the nuances of the show that would be missed if you didn’t have that Catholic exposure in life. I found myself singing along with some of the hymns surprised I still remembered the words. Definitely want to dive into this show again, just giving it some months between viewing

[@jbearclowater]

It says a lot that the scariest thing in this show is the mean church lady, and not the seven foot tall demonic monster running around.

[@GisyAngel]

I was raised Catholic in Cuba when Catholicism was somewhat outlawed. That meant that when I was allowed to actually go to church, I had not been thru confirmation and communion. I took the classes but because I was leaving the country, all of my friends ended up finishing them, except me and I sat every time communion came around. That part in the show felt visceral to me, because the rest of the church didn’t know why I was sitting still, why everyone in my family participated in communion and I didn’t. The whole show is so well done, I love that the priest was trying his best to rationalize the trauma he suffered and in the process, hurt everyone in his town. I love Riley and Erin (they could had been the same character in a lot of ways, because they were the compass and grounding rod) I love their death conversation because I’ve had that same conversation before with people I love when grieving. I loved the sheriff and how desperately he tried to both blend in and have a normal life as an unwelcome outsider (I am an immigrant, brown skinned in a very small town) I am not going to say I loved the Bev character because she is absolutely the worst person, but I felt we have always seen people that wield religious rhetoric as a weapon to feel superior. Anyway, this is an amazing show. Worth the rewatch, specially if organized religion has been a part of your life.

[@karupe9982]

Im an immense Flanagan fan and this isbone of my faves. The catholic experience is always there with his productions but, as a Catholic raised girly myself, it was CHILLING to see faith going this far

[@mohamedharris4325]

i have seen for the first time an English series showing Muslims correctly and authentically. the climax was so good to see his dad and his son died while praying and i teared on it very much because for us Muslims it's most honored death ever. Alhamdulillah

[@ChrisBrunelle]

Thank you for sharing this. I’m still a practicing Catholic (music minister), and I note there’s a lot of former Catholics here. I loved this series, preparing myself to watch it again. Some brilliant monologues, and I love the depth of characters and fragility of all of the characters. I guarantee you some of my staunch Catholic brothers and sisters would find this movie blasphemous, but I’m nowhere near that camp. Thank you for your commentary on this series, I truly enjoyed it

[@angrydrunkengerman2819]

I think any Catholic (former or current) would have to admit the Church has already been guided by evil at times. Every nation and every faith has had someone take advantage of it and warp its purpose. I think we're very much living in a time like the island and if we all don't wake up and stop agreeing that it's ok to harm each other we'll all be watching the final sun set together.

[@KatieLHall-fy1hw]

Oh snap, do you play the organ?! I love the church music ministers, you guys are amazing! I go to church mostly to listen to the music and to get to sing 💕

[@ChrisBrunelle]

No, I'm a guitar player and singer. Been doing music in church since 4th grade and I have a pretty successful KZbin channel where I demo some of the commonly used songs and psalms. I can fake my way through piano charts but a truly gifted organ player is wonderful to listen to. I play guitar, but I appreciate all kinds of music including organ and chant@@KatieLHall-fy1hw

[@taylorrowe2002]

In 750AD, a priest experienced a terrible temptation to doubt the True Presence while He was saying Mass. As he pronounced the words of consecration, the host and the wine transformed into what appeared to be flesh and blood. In 1970, more than 1,200 years later, the archbishop of Lanciano, with Rome’s approval, requested a thorough scientific examination of the miraculous relics by Dr. Edward Linoli, director of the hospital at Arezzo and professor of anatomy, histology, chemistry, and clinical microscopy. His report, submitted on March 4, 1971, detailed the following results: The coagulated substance is human blood, AB blood type, with the same protein distribution as found in normal, fresh blood The host is human muscular striated tissue of the myocardium, left ventricle (heart); arteries, veins, branch of vagus nerve, and adipose tissue all can be identified Like the blood, the flesh is also fresh, living tissue, because it “responded rapidly to all the clinical reactions distinctive of living beings” as if the flesh and blood samples had been taken that day Histological tests revealed no sign of preservation techniques of any kind The Miracles in the Age of Science Until the 1990s, Lanciano was the only proven case of the Eucharist turning into human flesh. Other cases have not been tested with modern scientific equipment, nor have the many dozens of bloodstains on corporals and chalices that have been preserved and are venerated as having come from bleeding hosts. But in 1992, the miracles started happening again. 1992 and 1996, Buenos Aires, Argentina: In 1992, consecrated particles left on the corporal were put into water to dissolve and locked in the tabernacle, as the Church prescribes for disposing of consecrated hosts. One week later, they had changed into a red substance. Then again in 1996 after a consecrated host fell to the ground and was also put in water to dissolve, it was found a few days later to have turned into a bloody substance. Both cases were sent to be tested by the archbishop of Buenos Aires, who was none other than our future Pope Francis. 2006, Tixtla, Mexico: During a retreat, a religious sister who was distributing Communion looked down and noticed that one of the Hosts had begun to bleed and transform. 2008, Sokolka, Poland: A consecrated Host fell to the ground during Communion and was put in water and locked in a tabernacle to dissolve. A week later, most of the Host was dissolved except for a red “clot” that remained. 2013, Legnica, Poland: A consecrated Host fell and was put in water and locked in a tabernacle. Two weeks later a red spot covered one-fifth of the undissolved Host. Startling Scientific Results Each of these occurrences received intensive study with highly advanced technology. In several cases, doctors did not know the source of the material. And yet, in all the cases, the same results were found, and are consistent with the results of Lanciano, providing even more details due to more advanced science: The blood is human, AB blood type; human DNA was found; white blood cells, red blood cells, hemoglobin, and mycrophages were present, indicating fresh blood; in the Tixtla miracle, the blood clearly emanated from within, because the blood on the surface had begun to coagulate but the interior blood was still fresh, as with a bleeding wound The flesh is human myocardium tissue of the left ventricle of an inflamed heart; in the miracles from Argentina and Poland, there was evidence of trauma from the presence of thrombi, indicating repeated lack of oxygen; lesions present showed rapid cardiac spasms typical in the final phases of death In the Sokolka miracle, the remaining host is tightly interconnected with the fibers of human tissue, penetrating each other inseparably - as if the bread were transforming into flesh. “Even NASA scientists, who have at their disposal the most modern analytical techniques, would not be able to artificially recreate such a thing,” affirmed Dr. Sobaniec-Lotowska, one of the examining experts. Dr. Frederick Zugibe, a forensic doctor at Columbia University who examined the Argentinian miracle, did not know the source of the sample and told the doctor who brought it to him, “If white blood cells were present (in the heart tissue), it is because at the moment you brought me the sample, it was pulsating.” When he learned the source of the sample, he was shocked and deeply moved.

[@TommyRosati]

First off, I am SOOO glad I stumbled upon your channel...here's why: I discovered Midnight Mass from a fellow filmmaker's recommendation, so unlike you, I went into it looking at things like; the writing, cinematography, acting, etc. What my fellow filmmaker friend did not know about me is; I was born and raised Catholic and even went to Catholic School for 9 years. Catholicism was actually a HUGE part of my upbringing...and I can tell ya (as you already noted in your video); My oh my, Mike Flanagan (the writer & director of the series) NAILED the characters! ANY life-long Catholic knows a Bev, a Joe Colly, a Reilly....ALL of the Characters are super relatable. As of late (over the past 3 years or so), I have essentially lost my faith...and in doing so, I'm super glad I came across your channel, and realizing I wasn't the only one who was so deeply affected by this series.

[@DreDay53]

I was raised to be a Christian and our community is a lot like yours by how you broke it down to to T 👏🏿😎

[@adanrodriguez9140]

Theres another great "priest becomes vampire" movie called Thirst from Korea that does a nice job of address similar themes but on a more individualized level than how a community is affected. With so many vampire stories having a level of eroticism, there is more a questioning of purity and repressed sexuality rather than faith.

[@natrochelle]

I absolutely LOVED that show for so many reasons. The performances are off the charts.

[@zapp99]

I was a Christian before reversion to Islam. I can feel what Shariff is going through. This is really an excellent series that I highly recommend. Builds up very slowly fleshing out the key characters properly before/as things starts unraveling.

[@TomsTube]

I grew up with a very religious parent, and a very atheist parent. I consider myself an atheist, but I’m comfortable having conversations about religion, faith and others beliefs. This series had so many important conversations on God and death, and what faith is to everyone, including atheists. I still can’t stop thinking about it. Thanks for your two cents too, I love hearing peoples different perspectives on the show.

[@bigmozzarella9670]

Mike Flanagan (show creator) is by far my all time favorite horror movie/show creators, I would highly reccomend looking into his other work. "the haunting of hill house" is another incredible horror show on netflix, i would highly reccomend watching, youll definitly be hooked after the first episode

[@cdolan13]

I agree with you about Mr. Flanagan as a film maker, but I did not start out as a fan. The first thing I saw of his was Hush, which I thought was promising, but nothing to make me state he was the future of horror. Based on that I gave The Haunting of Hill House a try, since I like the book so much, and the original movie adaptation The Haunting (from 1963 - NOT the god-awful remake from 1999!) and, while a good horror series I was so very disappointed that it strayed from the book so much it didn't resemble the novel at all. All he did was use the first and last line of the novel - and even then he changed the wording! Why call it something 'based on' and destroy the entire inner workings of the original novel? So I avoided watching anything else by him - Including his 'new' (at the time) Bly Manor. I refused to. But then, I heard about this new series on Netflix called Midnight Mass that was getting rave reviews. I saw Mr. Flanagan was at the helm and said 'meh' at the time. But then I decided to take a 'leap of faith' :-D because of the continued good things I heard and the fact I love vampires (yes, that was spoiled for me before I watched it). I was absolutely blown away by the show, easily my favorite Netflix show - by far. So I went back and gave Bly Manor a try and I was so surprised how good it was. While another 'loosely based on' adaptation this time of Henry James' Turn of the Screw I was so happy he at least stuck with the basic premise of the two 'haunted' children, and even with the addition of so many characters not in the novel it worked. So now, I will look forward to his Fall of the House of Usher, and see how he handles Poe, and continue to shout out my praises for Midnight Mass to anyone who will listen (much like religion! hahaha) Final thought, Midnight Mass gets an enthusiastic 10 in my 'book'! :-D

[@bigmozzarella9670]

@@cdolan13 you should really give the haunting of hill house another try. I’ve never read the book so I can’t speak on how accurate it is, but if you look at it as it’s own separate piece of work I think you can really appreciate it. It’s a fantastically well written story, that manages to keep you hooked throughout. I really liked how they set up the show by basically starting with the beginning and the end, and then slowly filling in the middle as the series progressed. Good drama, good acting, and a dope ass plot line

[@cdolan13]

@@bigmozzarella9670 I understand, it's not like it wasn't a good show, I'm not saying that at all. I just was disappointed because I was thinking it would follow the book more closely: a house that has stood abandoned for decades and a paranormal investigator hires three people to stay the weekend at the house to uncover whether or not ghosts exist. What I got was family drama. Again, not saying it wasn't done well, which it was, I was just roped in on the premise it would be a closer adaptation, so was disappointed in the end - especially with Mr. Flanagan using the most quoted line in the book at the end, which ended up not making sense - if you've read the book. He's still a good filmmaker, I just won't watch Hill House again. Sorry. But I do appreciate your argument.

[@katjongeward7155]

@@cdolan13 I loved Flanagan's Fall of the House of Usher the best so far. have you seen that?

[@Yul-Uhlu]

So when young father "Paul" told Riley that God can take your bad actions and turn them into something good, he did. God had a plan... Let me explain; If Riley didn't go to jail and then return to the island to complete his probation, then he would have never been able to let Erin know about the evil plot that was about to take over the island. Also, Erin had an emotionally traumatic childhood, where she remembers the clipping of the birds wings. But later she clips the wings of the "angel" so that it never makes it to the mainland. So both of their pain and suffering was a path to redemption. Gods plan was to bring them to that exact moment in time where they were both in a state of grace. (And this is coming from an atheist)

[@gozerthegozarian9500]

Very observant!

[@Minotaur1975]

Wow I forgot about the clipping wings reference until I read this comment. Well spotted.

[@carolineainenibhreithimh7652]

I'd this thinking too. I thought was brilliant that was the "sinners" who where the purer ones and the enlightened Beth was digging her head in the sand in the end

[@davidcarpenter5467]

Sounds like you were an English Lit major

[@KatieLHall-fy1hw]

Sounds like the Futurama god episode : “when you do things right, people won’t be sure you did anything at all” that sums up my actual religious beliefs

[@CosmicPhilosopher]

I was raised religious (liberal Protestant), so was very familiar with the Bible which I read twice because I read everything I could get my hands on. When I was 16, I met a girl who asked me out which thrilled me because I was the classic awkward nerd who never got a date. It turns out she was a very far-right Evangelical who thought my fantasy books (like Lord of the Rings) were vessels of evil that Satan used to lure people away from God. My insecurity led me to overlook all of this (and there were many more red flags) because I thought how would I ever find another woman interested in me. That went on for a few years (and with marriage + two kids) before I realized that I definitely wasn't happy and needed to get out. We got divorced. Anyway, while I had drifted into agnosticism, I was very fascinated by religion. I've read a lot of books on the history of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. What interested me was less the dogma than what people did in the name of their faith. I've also read a lot about cults. Again, my interest was more in what sorts of people joined cults and how they rationalized the cult's teachings. One of my favorite things about Midnight Mass (and it's become one of the best things I've watched in the last couple of years) is how respectful it was of Catholicism. It would have been very easy for Mike Flanagan to say, "See how bad religion is!" but he didn't. It wasn't religion that was the problem. It was the people. As I said, I'm agnostic, but I don't look down on people who have faith. I know lots of very good people who believe in a religion. On the other hand, I've met a lot of not-so-good people who are fervent believers. I know very nice atheists and not some not-so-nice atheists. It's rarely the beliefs that are the problem; it's the people.

[@iamjudasproject]

Because Flanagan was Catholic, he did a good job representing that religion as well as respecting it. I appreciate your perspective on other people’s beliefs. ❤️

[@strikerliker4812]

Seeing the little nuances of this show as a Catholic really got me! The first time we see Fr Paul wearing gold instead of green (I had mentioned that and was happy I had clearly paid attention at mass to recognize it) and the little gestures and how to hold the Eucharist and the homilies. The mass itself was spot on. Bev drove me up a wall. Those holier than thou personalities who are clearly worst than anyone else in that church besides maybe Paul but even then he had good intentions to begin with. Bev was just an evil SOB who had the most perfect ending. Trying to run away from death and realizing that she's too late and can't save herself. Riley and his familyy and Leezas family are some of the most relatable families I can relate to growing up. What a show. Hands down some of the best acting. Writing. And cinematography out there. I just finished my 2nd rewatch and it still gives me chills about how incredible this show is.

[@shadowseer07]

Bruh I’m not even Catholic (I was raised evangelical Christian) and I was singing a long with those hymns…Not even sure why I know them. What I love so much about Midnight Mass is that it comes from a place of such sincerity and understanding. It definitely shows the horrors of overzealous fundamentalism, but also conversely the beauty in piety, or at least the beauty to be found in sincere faith of any kind. It doesn’t squash the truth in humanity’s need for faith in something, and that must have been tough to write. Because the religious horror in this runs so deep and is so spot on, and anyone with religious trauma of any kind has known someone like Bev Keane at some point in their lives. She was the real monster.*shudders*

[@iamjudasproject]

Im glad you picked up on the dichotomy presented in the series. It is dishonest for those who say it is “against religion.” Thanks for the comment!! ❤️

[@Zanyotaku]

I love hearing this perspective on a religious horror series, especially how little mundane things that do happen in normal churches are emphasized just enough to turn it into paranoia, horror, etc. Like the communion thing, you just hit the nail on the head right there.

[@kukulcan9119]

Really appreciate your unique perspective. "Haunting nostalgia" is a perfect description. As an ex-Catholic , I felt the same way. The familiar ceremony and tradition was comforting yet not. And then with the death monologue at the end, juxtaposed with the Catholic view of death and suffering, it fully expressed my current belief about death. I had never considered how well the vampire myth fit with the language of the Mass. The belief that we are truly eating flesh and drinking blood is so disturbing. Flanagan is brilliant!

[@matthewsanchez1108]

As a former SSPX member this series was simultaneously so hard to get through but also so hard to turn away from. It was accurate and I could see this happening at my old church. Just like you said, it was unsettling nostalgia.

[@iamjudasproject]

Yes. Same. Hahaha

[@GarlicToast]

The hymns got me too. Was raised conservative small town Baptist and the songs just brought me right back.

[@Deltaaaaaaaaa]

I am absolutely floored by your perspective and absolutely fascinated. I absolutely loved this series and greatly appreciate your breakdown. Absolutely fascinating

[@kylejde]

you talked right upfront about how you found yourself singing the Hymm along with everyone there....i loved how they used hymns as an almost juxtpoposition to what was happening...When you listen to a lot of the word and sentiment in hymns there is rarely "doctrine" but instead "longing" almost a longing for understanding...The version of "Were you there" just had me in tears....it was an amazing show, and i cant wait for the next Netflix show he is doing...Fall of the House of Usher

[@DarlingMissDarling]

Found you through my love of the Flanagan clan and Midnight Mass. As a former Catholic myself, I loved this so much! Your perspective is so so needed for many of these amazing films that tackle the various ways that religion can influence our collective cultures. Thank you!!

[@rachelfallonauthor]

My great uncle was a Monsignor in the Catholic Church. I grew up with my catholic dad and Jewish mom, so I wasn’t baptized but “dedicated” to god as a compromise. I very occasionally was forced into attending mass, and at one of my uncles mass’s, I remember him asking me before hand to take communion for him. I asked him why, as I thought i wasn’t supposed to without a confirmation. He said because he said it was okay, it was. That god wanted me to. As he, of course, spoke for Him. It was the only time in my life I’ve taken communion. But I always got strange looks during every time I didn’t. I didn’t really understand but always felt so uncomfortable, but somehow felt even more so when my uncle had me take it. Your video finally made me understand why he had me do so. My uncle asked constantly for me to baptized up until he couldn’t remember who we were anymore. But he was too embarrassed for his great niece to not take it in front of his whole congregation.

[@andrewdickson1556]

this was such a great watch - thank you! Your perspective as a former priest is an amazing thing to share that really helps show this series (one of my favourites) in a new light. I grew up protestant evangelical and while the details are different the culture is the same in so many ways - shame , pious devotees , whispers in the community, and blindness to reality at all costs. Thanks for sharing!

[@michaelbauer703]

We had a few bev’s at our parish. Just watching her, her speech, and her mannerism, really irritated me. There’s something about the traditional churches that attract these self righteous people. And like you Francis, I too sang along to the many hymns and the Neil Diamond. Perhaps we would have been served better, had we had Neil Diamond in the choir loft ;)

[@iamjudasproject]

🎶 🎤

[@taylorrowe2002]

In 750AD, a priest experienced a terrible temptation to doubt the True Presence while He was saying Mass. As he pronounced the words of consecration, the host and the wine transformed into what appeared to be flesh and blood. In 1970, more than 1,200 years later, the archbishop of Lanciano, with Rome’s approval, requested a thorough scientific examination of the miraculous relics by Dr. Edward Linoli, director of the hospital at Arezzo and professor of anatomy, histology, chemistry, and clinical microscopy. His report, submitted on March 4, 1971, detailed the following results: The coagulated substance is human blood, AB blood type, with the same protein distribution as found in normal, fresh blood The host is human muscular striated tissue of the myocardium, left ventricle (heart); arteries, veins, branch of vagus nerve, and adipose tissue all can be identified Like the blood, the flesh is also fresh, living tissue, because it “responded rapidly to all the clinical reactions distinctive of living beings” as if the flesh and blood samples had been taken that day Histological tests revealed no sign of preservation techniques of any kind The Miracles in the Age of Science Until the 1990s, Lanciano was the only proven case of the Eucharist turning into human flesh. Other cases have not been tested with modern scientific equipment, nor have the many dozens of bloodstains on corporals and chalices that have been preserved and are venerated as having come from bleeding hosts. But in 1992, the miracles started happening again. 1992 and 1996, Buenos Aires, Argentina: In 1992, consecrated particles left on the corporal were put into water to dissolve and locked in the tabernacle, as the Church prescribes for disposing of consecrated hosts. One week later, they had changed into a red substance. Then again in 1996 after a consecrated host fell to the ground and was also put in water to dissolve, it was found a few days later to have turned into a bloody substance. Both cases were sent to be tested by the archbishop of Buenos Aires, who was none other than our future Pope Francis. 2006, Tixtla, Mexico: During a retreat, a religious sister who was distributing Communion looked down and noticed that one of the Hosts had begun to bleed and transform. 2008, Sokolka, Poland: A consecrated Host fell to the ground during Communion and was put in water and locked in a tabernacle to dissolve. A week later, most of the Host was dissolved except for a red “clot” that remained. 2013, Legnica, Poland: A consecrated Host fell and was put in water and locked in a tabernacle. Two weeks later a red spot covered one-fifth of the undissolved Host. Startling Scientific Results Each of these occurrences received intensive study with highly advanced technology. In several cases, doctors did not know the source of the material. And yet, in all the cases, the same results were found, and are consistent with the results of Lanciano, providing even more details due to more advanced science: The blood is human, AB blood type; human DNA was found; white blood cells, red blood cells, hemoglobin, and mycrophages were present, indicating fresh blood; in the Tixtla miracle, the blood clearly emanated from within, because the blood on the surface had begun to coagulate but the interior blood was still fresh, as with a bleeding wound The flesh is human myocardium tissue of the left ventricle of an inflamed heart; in the miracles from Argentina and Poland, there was evidence of trauma from the presence of thrombi, indicating repeated lack of oxygen; lesions present showed rapid cardiac spasms typical in the final phases of death In the Sokolka miracle, the remaining host is tightly interconnected with the fibers of human tissue, penetrating each other inseparably - as if the bread were transforming into flesh. “Even NASA scientists, who have at their disposal the most modern analytical techniques, would not be able to artificially recreate such a thing,” affirmed Dr. Sobaniec-Lotowska, one of the examining experts. Dr. Frederick Zugibe, a forensic doctor at Columbia University who examined the Argentinian miracle, did not know the source of the sample and told the doctor who brought it to him, “If white blood cells were present (in the heart tissue), it is because at the moment you brought me the sample, it was pulsating.” When he learned the source of the sample, he was shocked and deeply moved.

[@taylorrowe2002]

Catholicism was scientifically proven through eucharistic miracles AB blood matches blood type on shroud of turin. Repent.@@iamjudasproject

[@MR3DDev]

I finished watching the series yesterday and I was freaked out like you. I grew up catholic, went to catholic school but I stop practicing when I was 18. I am now 36 and even tho I have not set foot in a catholic church for more than a decade I found myself reciting the prayers along with the show. That scared me more than the monster. They did a fantastic job recreating mass.

[@taylorrowe2002]

In 750AD, a priest experienced a terrible temptation to doubt the True Presence while He was saying Mass. As he pronounced the words of consecration, the host and the wine transformed into what appeared to be flesh and blood. In 1970, more than 1,200 years later, the archbishop of Lanciano, with Rome’s approval, requested a thorough scientific examination of the miraculous relics by Dr. Edward Linoli, director of the hospital at Arezzo and professor of anatomy, histology, chemistry, and clinical microscopy. His report, submitted on March 4, 1971, detailed the following results: The coagulated substance is human blood, AB blood type, with the same protein distribution as found in normal, fresh blood The host is human muscular striated tissue of the myocardium, left ventricle (heart); arteries, veins, branch of vagus nerve, and adipose tissue all can be identified Like the blood, the flesh is also fresh, living tissue, because it “responded rapidly to all the clinical reactions distinctive of living beings” as if the flesh and blood samples had been taken that day Histological tests revealed no sign of preservation techniques of any kind The Miracles in the Age of Science Until the 1990s, Lanciano was the only proven case of the Eucharist turning into human flesh. Other cases have not been tested with modern scientific equipment, nor have the many dozens of bloodstains on corporals and chalices that have been preserved and are venerated as having come from bleeding hosts. But in 1992, the miracles started happening again. 1992 and 1996, Buenos Aires, Argentina: In 1992, consecrated particles left on the corporal were put into water to dissolve and locked in the tabernacle, as the Church prescribes for disposing of consecrated hosts. One week later, they had changed into a red substance. Then again in 1996 after a consecrated host fell to the ground and was also put in water to dissolve, it was found a few days later to have turned into a bloody substance. Both cases were sent to be tested by the archbishop of Buenos Aires, who was none other than our future Pope Francis. 2006, Tixtla, Mexico: During a retreat, a religious sister who was distributing Communion looked down and noticed that one of the Hosts had begun to bleed and transform. 2008, Sokolka, Poland: A consecrated Host fell to the ground during Communion and was put in water and locked in a tabernacle to dissolve. A week later, most of the Host was dissolved except for a red “clot” that remained. 2013, Legnica, Poland: A consecrated Host fell and was put in water and locked in a tabernacle. Two weeks later a red spot covered one-fifth of the undissolved Host. Startling Scientific Results Each of these occurrences received intensive study with highly advanced technology. In several cases, doctors did not know the source of the material. And yet, in all the cases, the same results were found, and are consistent with the results of Lanciano, providing even more details due to more advanced science: The blood is human, AB blood type; human DNA was found; white blood cells, red blood cells, hemoglobin, and mycrophages were present, indicating fresh blood; in the Tixtla miracle, the blood clearly emanated from within, because the blood on the surface had begun to coagulate but the interior blood was still fresh, as with a bleeding wound The flesh is human myocardium tissue of the left ventricle of an inflamed heart; in the miracles from Argentina and Poland, there was evidence of trauma from the presence of thrombi, indicating repeated lack of oxygen; lesions present showed rapid cardiac spasms typical in the final phases of death In the Sokolka miracle, the remaining host is tightly interconnected with the fibers of human tissue, penetrating each other inseparably - as if the bread were transforming into flesh. “Even NASA scientists, who have at their disposal the most modern analytical techniques, would not be able to artificially recreate such a thing,” affirmed Dr. Sobaniec-Lotowska, one of the examining experts. Dr. Frederick Zugibe, a forensic doctor at Columbia University who examined the Argentinian miracle, did not know the source of the sample and told the doctor who brought it to him, “If white blood cells were present (in the heart tissue), it is because at the moment you brought me the sample, it was pulsating.” When he learned the source of the sample, he was shocked and deeply moved.

[@starrellison4676]

yeah as someone who grew up in a small church in a small community, this series hit home. i didn’t even grow up catholic, but the characters and some of the short sermons literally give me déjà vu. i have been so stuck on this show for it’s accuracy, it’s so good.

[@iamjudasproject]

Yeah, there is a kind of universality to the mentality!!

[@dthefemsexy]

I was raised Catholic and was surprised by all the lyrics I still remembered. I very often sang along and participated in the responses. I never watched the creator's other shows but I really REALLY enjoyed the show and will likely rewatch. I think thete will be some interesting revelations upon a second watch.

[@TwilightDust]

Fantastic perspective mate :) enjoyed listening to your thoughts so well laid out, i had a very strong response to finishing the show, it made me incredibly angry before I could look back at it in recaps to appreciate how well made it actually is, I look forward to your other videos

[@camillagilmore1547]

This is a show that doesn't need a review as much as it needs an exegesis! The way scripture was not only regularly and explicitly cited but also thematically and symbolically inverted throughout was amazing. Its one of the most complex takes on a Passion Play I think I've ever seen. So many layers that only come through when you've had time to really dwell on it. If you do do a second rewatch, I'd be very interested to see you do a spoiler full video where you go in depth on it all.

[@iamjudasproject]

Yeah. The correlation between the Different ceremonies of Holy Week and what was happening in the community was really well done.

[@camillagilmore1547]

@@iamjudasproject I also loved the parallels with the healing of the lame man, and the inversion of the virgin birth. How while some miracles were being explicitly replicated, although by demonic means and so were inherently subverted, others were being subtly twisted in awful ways that went unnoticed by the community at large. Also, thinking back, I find it interested that on the whole it was Old Testament that was quoted and New Testament that was enacted.

[@iamjudasproject]

You thought it was demonic? It’s interesting, it was the priest who attributed the creature’s actions to God… it doesn’t appear that he even said one word. Just like how “random evil actions” are put under the perspective of “gods will” throughout the series, so too they forced the actions of the creature to something divine. So many layers to unravel!! ❤️ I am excited to see the series again!!

[@camillagilmore1547]

@@iamjudasproject I think it was certainly an entity that the average Catholic priest who was not suffering from fear, blood loss and advanced dementia would construe as demonic. And that this show certainly played strongly on the idea that the demonic takes whatever God does and inverts it, saying the Lord's Prayer backwards and all that. That said I don't think this was some demonic force sent explicitly to test the faith of Paul and the community. Whatever this entity was, I think it's meeting with Paul was entirely coincidental and random, that it saw a chance and exploited it, and as you said, was eager in particular to take advantage of Paul's stubborn insistence on viewing everything through a hyper religious lens. The communication issue is an interesting one as well. Although the "angel" never speaks, Paul seems somehow able to communicate with it. He must have been able to because how else did he explain how to put the chasuble on and when to make the most dramatic entrance (God I'd love to have seen Paul getting his angel all dressed up for the big night). But it seemed like Paul was sure he was getting some form of communication in return, despite the silence. An interesting parallel to prayer; at least Paul had a "God" he could physically see, if not physically hear. But then, apparently in this case seeing was not enough to stimulate the correct belief - that this thing is totally a vampire and NOT an emmissary of God.

[@sheliatolar8295]

Thank you for sharing your thoughts and reaction to this fantastic series. I put off watching it for a long time because I thought it would disturb me, and OH BOY was I right! But not about the nature of the disturbance. For context, I grew up in an evangelical church. I drifted away after I went to college and wasn't really any flavor of religion until I met my (now ex) husband. He was Catholic, and I converted before our marriage. And while it was strange to me for a long time, I found some comfort in the rituals. Now I'm back to non-religious. Some congregations have a Monsignor Pruitt/Father Paul, but every congregation I've ever seen has a Bev. I had more sympathy for the priest, though, because **SPOILERS** Before he met the "angel," he was suffering from dementia. And he was right about the Bible saying that every human visited by angels was afraid - some of the biblical descriptions of angels are terrifying. Also, it took some time before the "communion" worked on him. While his body became young, I think he still carried that dementia-addled interpretation of what the creature actually was. And even when it became clear that he had given in to something evil, he still had hope to temper it, e.g. the meeting with Riley and keeping the doors of the church locked until he could explain to the congregation what had happened to them. BUT he corrupted his faith, the ideals of communion, and led his flock down the same path. Bev was already corrupt and merely found the perfect outlet for her bile. This Flanagan series is second only to The Fall of the House of Usher in my opinion. And Usher only barely edges out MM because of how much I love Poe. MM is masterfully told and full of some truly moving and powerful scenes (the scene with Leeza and Joe Collie, for example).

[@craneluff]

Thank you for your views on Midnight Mass, very interesting. I finished watching the series a few days ago and it has stayed with me, it is literally haunting me. I was raised a catholic and attended convent schools, and even though now I’m an agnostic, I still can’t shake the belief that Catholicism is the only ‘true’ religion, it shows what indoctrination can do to you. I did find the various concepts of death described in the series fascinating and moving.

[@piusochigbochristian1079]

You were not indoctrinated. You were told the truth and that's the reason why you still can't shake it off. Truth is truth no matter how much you fight it. Please return to the church and give your life to Jesus. He wants you to be saved..

[@forevercurious2633]

The congregation seemed more Evangelical Protestant than Roman Catholic to me, but that may be because I am more used to city and suburban parishes in the Northeast of the U.S. Although some may say that a particular relgion is the only truth, I just finished Pope Benedict' book, "Many Religions-One Covenant." In it, he says, "What we need, however, is respect for the beliefs of others and the readiness to look for truth in what strikes us as strange or foreign; for such truth can correct us and lead us farther along the path." (pg. 110). I think that Pope Francis has said something similar about God permitting many religions. They are two Popes, who differ in many ways, saying a similar thing. By the way, I am a practicing Catholic who attends Mass weekly when Covid allows.

[@QWERTYUIOP-wu6ht]

@@piusochigbochristian1079 You have no right to tell people that. Your statement is a proof on how much brainwashed you are

[@Racheldorenofficial]

I went to Catholic preschool through high school and I left Catholicism when I was 21. My parents were so deeply hurt. Even now my parents are still trying to convert me back to Catholicism.

[@LovePriestessLeah]

I just drew the obvious parallel in my mind of the church being named for St Patrick. I’m sure I’ll have to watch again to get it all. Great series

[@ellepeterson9992]

Hearing your perspective was fascinating, thanks!

[@soulstealer82]

i loved the series, it was a little slow at first to me but i stuck with it and i'm glad i did. it for sure got trippy

[@iamjudasproject]

Yeah!! But it was great character development in the end

[@daloop64]

Just happened upon this video, and you!! Adored this series- so authentically frightening, and relatable. I grew up Roman Catholic. Loved hearing your reaction to it. Gonna keep my eye on your channel for sure :’)

[@daloop64]

OH! Something very similar to this series, also on Netflix, is the film Apostle directed by Gareth Evans. An isolated island… centered by religion… cultish behavior due to this… something supernatural afoot. Would be interested to see your thoughts on that!!

[@iamjudasproject]

Thanks for stopping by!! Yes, I have seen that movie, and it was another one that hit hard. Im definitely looking for suggestions. And welcome to the channel! ❤️

[@daloop64]

@@iamjudasproject I shall have to brainstorm and come back to this comment section… see if I can suggest anything you haven’t seen yet. Happy to have found ya, and to subscribe

[@urie4678]

@@daloop64 Ooh, I've had Apostle in my list for a while now, but I keep putting it off because I was scared of jump scares. If you don't mind, were there any jump scares throughout the film?

[@papermelon]

It would have been so easy for this show to trash and mock and demonize religion, and as a currently practicing Christian, that made me weary. But it blew me away with its ability to distinctly show the difference between good and bad Catholics, righteous and self righteous Christians. At the end of the day, Mike Flanagan managed to give us a show that warned us of the dangers of religious justifications while displaying how good and well intended religion can be when it’s followed as God intended. What a dang masterpiece.

[@gablesworld]

This was great. I’m a cradle catholic and felt so much from midnight mass. I have no idea what to cal you lol. I’m happy you are happy.

[@cccsssish]

Thank you for this video. I absolutely adored this series and was actively searching for a Catholic priest's insights on it since I've watched it. I can imagine that for someone brought up Catholic the series must has been incredibly unsettling, even triggering. That said, as an atheist who wasn't even brought up as Christian at all, I felt like the general knowledge I have about Catholicism just as a reasonably educated and curious person was enough to get a pretty deep understanding and appreciation for the story and themes on an intellectual level. I think it was an extremely powerful story with relevace to people of all religions as well as none.

[@lukeneely389]

He's not a Catholic priest, he's a failed priest who left Catholicism.

[@gottbe107]

Love your hair...and great perspective as well...❤❤❤

[@crystalconner3494]

I was glad to hear your comments. They helped give a better understanding of some of the relationships and interactions.

[@noseofsauron236]

"Thank God (?)" I found your react video. Just finished this over the weekend, and man it is absolutely beautiful as a series and full of profound ideas. I'm ex Catholic, I wouldn't say my upbringing was strict religion-wise but I can relate with a lot of the themes. I've gone through most of the critics' and KZbinrs' review vids, and I'm now looking for react vids from non-critics/general public and how this affected them especially from a religious perspective. Lucky to have found yours, thank you for the excellent analysis!

[@noseofsauron236]

Also to add, I binged this with my partner Saturday night straight into Sunday morning. I was a complete mess at the end, especially because of "Nearer My God to Thee" which always makes me cry regardless of the situation. Then for a fleeting moment, I thought, "hmm, it's Sunday morning, maybe I should go to Mass." Then I shook my head, "no no no no no no", then the thought went away lol.

[@iamjudasproject]

I can relate… it hit me in a really profound way.

[@snakesnoteyes]

As an ex-Catholic (now atheist) who has family in a very progressive congregation and whose father went through the seminary during a really revolutionary time (I grew up learning about primacy of conscience) this show tapped into some really visceral things for me. My parents current church isn’t the church I grew up in. The woman who led my confirmation group was a Bev. I knew I was gay from an early age and my archdiocesan youth group leader told me love the sinner and hate the sin when I asked him about the church’s stance. Midnight Mass shows that faith can move people to acts of amazing humanity and grotesque horror, and in it the latter is more common than the former (a thing which to me appears to be more true than its mirror). Anyway, thank you for this video. I’m glad I found your channel.

[@iamjudasproject]

Dang. I’m sure we have had similar experiences in our pasts. I’m happy that you found my channel too. This series has really stuck with some people… and Im happy that I was able to watch it. I hope to hear from you again!!

[@snakesnoteyes]

@@iamjudasproject Definitely 🙂 Gay ex-Catholics tend to find/build community with each other. Catholics are very misunderstood in the the states and there’s something unique to being gay and having been brought up in Mother Church. I’m also black so that’s also a wild experience in The Church. I’m at the point where I’m deconstructing my vocabulary because atheists who grew up Christian still default to cultural Christianity. I was fortunate to grow up in a family that encouraged my exploration of other religions and faiths, and to live in a Jewish community so I’m always aware of the way Christianity shapes the way I move through the world. I hope to have more conversations with you.

[@andianderson3017]

I grew up Protestant in a tiny community with a lot of churches but only one Catholic Church. Everyone who went to the Catholic Church were known as the Catholic kids at school. They were a mood. It’s kind of helpful to understand a bit more of their perspective. There can be shaming in Protestant churches, but you actually do tend to have much more privacy. You can make public declarations of faith, but the absence of them does not mean anything. Skipping communion is almost totally unnoticeable and is a totally private affair-it might not even mean you sinned. It could just mean you aren’t in a good frame of mind. That public sign post is so much pressure.

[@salyx]

This show was just beautiful. I’m not a Catholic (I’m a Pagan), but the show is so well written, acted, and directed that I wasn’t confused about the Catholic content at all. I AM from a very small insular community, so all that read as true as well. The show seems to have done just what Flanagan hoped - it’s starting conversations. I liked hearing your perspective and the perspective of so many others. I actually wished I knew the words to the hymns so I could sing along, and I found Father Paul’s sermons completely engrossing. I was bawling by the end of the show. Probably my favorite of Flanagan’s works.

[@iamjudasproject]

That’s awesome!! It was super emotional in the end, and I agree: it’s a story that causes conversations. It sticks with you!! ❤️

[@salyx]

@Sanctus Paulus I bet you’re fun at parties.

[@TheOtterBear61]

I thought the series was amazing! It was interesting hearing your perspective on it. Thanks for sharing! I was raised Baptist but left the church when I couldn't reconcile who I was with what they preached about something I didn't choose to be. We sang many of the same hymns and I had to resist the urge to sing along myself.

[@iamjudasproject]

Wow, I didn’t know that the Baptist’s sang those hymns too! Thank you for the watch and comment!! ❤️

[@nunyanunya4964]

I was raised United Methodist. I kept screaming at Bev and Father Paul the most. It was so frustrating watching most in the town fall in line.

[@imogenx9145]

The dialogue and deep existential questions were outstanding in MM. As someone who questioned and sought logical, straight forward answers as a child, realising that a lot of Father Paul's answers to Riley were really just word salad. It sounded intricate and deep, but rarely meant anything. That helped adult me heal from seeking answers from people who cannot provide them.

[@Hidfors]

Thank you. As a life-long atheist, from a culture that's protestant if anything, there were many things that went over my head. Very interesting, and thought through.

[@durston55]

I am an Anglican ( Church of England) and also a former altar boy and used to help our priest administer communion throughout the village I used to live in. But for I've been struggling with my faith, belief, whatever for the past thirty years or so. This series hit me so hard and brought back so many memories. Your thoughts on this video were very moving to me. Thank you.

[@Dangermaniac206]

why don’t you have millions of subscribers, your channel is gold

[@jsfishman2879]

I’ve watched 2x and find it fascinating. Such an excellent series!

[@Uzbug]

Just finished watching Midnight Mass today. Love the soundtrack, the twist in the story; brilliant. Shows how people can twist things to suit their own ends without thinking of the consequences. Will most likely re-watch in a few months as I tend to do that with films/tv series that make one think.

[@joejoe8369]

00:32 "hit home" same words that comes to my mind everytime I think about this series. Especially the songs, as choir member and expose tot he ways how priest and the mass goes.

[@xFinalStarx]

I was told that I could not join in communion because I was Lutheran when I went to a Catholic school in my formative years. Looking back on it, even as a small child, exclusively in the church and status was prominent in my religious experiences. It definitely explains my, let's say, discomforts with catholicism and religion in general.

[@Adrieanana]

I felt a deep connection and nostalgic the whole time too!!!!! I was wondering if anyone else felt it toooo

[@samoa7431]

I'm sorry for whatever negative experience you have had with the Catholic Church, Christians, or religious and I pray that through the saving graces you received at your baptism, you might find Peace and Truth.

[@flyingsnail_art9170]

I found your commentary really really interesting. I was brought up muslim but no longer consider myself religious so it's really fascinating to hear your view on this show as it kind of gives me an insight into the catholic perspective of this show. I watched Midnight Mass just because my housemate was watching it and I did not expect to love it as much as I did. As you said the cinematography is amazing and the slowburn and horror of the story is really well built up but I was most impressed by the muslim representation. Having been brought up in a muslim household and around a very muslim community and lots of muslim family and friends I am very much aware of islamophobia. I haven't experienced too much personally (my name isn't too noticeably arabic, and I pass as white) but I know a lot of people who have, to varying levels of extremity. I am also very aware whenever I watch any media with a muslim character how often they fall into the tropes of terrorist or subservient oppressed wife etc. So the character of Sheriff Hassan was really refreshing for me, as well as how they accurately presented muslim prayer etc. His monologue to Sarah about islamophobia really struck me and made me so happy and relieved to hear the experiences of so many people I know put into words in a medium where they are usually reduced to stereotypes. Anyways sorry for rambling it was just interesting to hear how other people relate to this show from completely different backgrounds and I wanted to share my perspective of how this show affected me as well. Thank you for posting!

[@iamjudasproject]

Wow!! Thank you for sharing that. It makes me think that they really put in the work to (more or less) give an accurate representation of both of the religions. In the end, it wasn’t about bashing the religions. It was just showing these events and how these people may have reacted in real life. It blew my mind. Thanks for watching!! ❤️

[@salyx]

Rahul Kohli, who played the Sheriff, asked to consult his Muslim friend so he would portray the religion accurately. Mike Flanagan paid the friend for his work. That’s wonderful.

[@cosplayprincess]

As someone who grew up quite religious, I now do not go to church, but I do still pray regularly. However, I loved this show , and definitely knew some Bev's , and knew people like a few other characters, too. Icansee why I distanced myself and practice my faith as I see fit.

[@judiek8995]

I think what you said about judging those who don’t go to communion might be true in a Traditional Catholic community, or a very small parish, but in my (large, suburban) parish, no one is paying attention to who does or doesn’t receive. There are always visitors (non-Catholics) at mass, so it’s normal to have lots of people “sit back.” We’re just so glad to have people in the pews! 😊

[@judiek8995]

@Sanctus Paulus I’ve never met anyone (in my parish) who didn’t believe in the Real Presence.

[@staceyt6466]

Start to finish this show was absolutely hauntingly beautiful. Grew up catholic, went to catholic school. It nailed it

[@emastanton9199]

Bev was a kind of Renfield character to Father Paul. She just put ones teeth on edge. She has such a need to have importance and a place of power on her ant hill island. Father Paul is a devastating character. He's a speaker of great charisma. His very intonation is stunning. There is a certain theater involved in keeping a congregation...'coming back'. It was riveting listening to him. I would have been affected at a certain point in my life. Why, even as I listened now to this actor, I could feel the current. Great job!

[@emastanton9199]

All the above from a graduate in Study of Religions UCLA. Father Paul crossed the line from Shepard into cult leader. Fascinating series...weirdly touching ending. I was bought up in a Catholic orphanage. Cardinal Mc Klosys in White Plains NY. No complaints. It was just my strange little world : > No longer practicing in that way, but thankful I landed there for a time.

[@alexandrawinner6081]

2.2k views!!! Congrats man you are doing awesome!

[@iamjudasproject]

I know!! Who would want to watch lil ole me?! Haha

[@stellarsteph7]

I only recently watched this (I am not a fan of horror lol) and it's one of my favourite things I've ever seen. I didn't grow up Catholic, but I did grow up quite a devout Evangelical Christian but walked away a few years ago and Riley meant so much to me. I felt so seen! It's so hard to grow up believing one thing then to experience another and not be able to reconcile them. And to be isolated by your oldest friends and family because of it when you need connection the most hit really close to home. I respect Zach so much for bringing that character to life because I didn't know how much I needed to see it.

[@Salem-ys6kw]

I as an ex evangelical who went to a Catholic school understand. It's not only the Catholics that are considered extreme as religious groups and particularly vulnerable to extremist movements. Our school actually tried to be open-minded so they weren't even my exposure to fundamentalism, but unfortunately didn't help to deprogram me from it either, I needed life experience from university in a completely different and not homogeneous town for that.

[@Minotaur1975]

I just finished watching this show myself. Outstanding.

[@margaretmarr1]

I stopped at your channel and had to watch because you are so unbelievably beautiful!

[@mattgilbert7347]

Former altar boy here, smalltown New Zealand. Also an alcoholic & drug addict so this show got me both ways! Father Paul & Riley, man did I *get* those characters. I wouldn't shut up about this brilliant show when it aired. *Couldn't* shut up about it. I feel ya, not-Priest-anymore ;) I mean, I WAS A DAMN IRISH CATHOLIC ALTAR BOY... ATHEIST...CURRENTLY DEALING WITH ADDICTION RECOVERY.. DAMN YOU FLANAGAN...!!! 😂

[@maargenbx1454]

I was raised Catholic, and this series was a trenchant and well-deserved critique of Catholic dogma. To be honest I started the show with no idea that it was horror, I thought it was a murder in a small town thing. If anyone had said anything about horror to me I wouldn’t have watched it, I find most horror series sort of boring. I am soooo glad I watched this show. I believe it’s one of the best shows on Netflix - the story, the writing, and the acting were all top notch. I also talked to everyone I know about it, and the conversations engendered by it are so interesting. The original ‘Dracula’ by Bram Stoker had many allusions to Catholicism, and ‘Midnight Mass’ is true to the same themes. At the heart of Catholicism is the promise of eternal life through Jesus Christ. And while many Catholics think that the drinking of the wine and eating the Eucharist is meant to be metaphorical, but official Catholic dogma explicitly states that during Catholic Mass the ‘Miracle of Transubstantiation’ takes place, turning the bread and wine into the literal body and blood of Christ. So the actual intent is eternal life through ingestion and absorption of the attributes of the one whose flesh is eaten. ‘Midnight Mass’ shows this brilliantly.

[@Sarahbetho]

So, I’m very late to seeing this because, ahem, I think well your content isn’t typical content for me and because I’m unlike probably majority of viewers, a current practicing Catholic who lives IN a fairly small community, Anchorage, Alaska. But I am so glad I found your review specifically. I truly enjoyed this show. It wasn’t haunting for me, and probably because of all of the many reasons you list. It almost felt like “home” watching it. Small churches, everyone knowing one another, I found myself singing the hymns as well with a smile on face even lol (as morbid as that may sound in this context), my previous parish, as we moved at the end of last year across town even IS St. Patrick’s. But, I’m especially glad I found your video review because I enjoyed it so much and because since I’m fairly devout, and so are the people I surround myself with are as well usually, they don’t tend to watch “horror” and nor do I. This show wasn’t horror for me until the end episodes, it was more interesting and nuanced all the way through and I’ve been dying to talk to or hear someone else’s thoughts on it lol. Unfortunately, as you also talk about in this review, it’s the silent albeit somewhat well meaning generally judging of others that prevented me from speaking openly with others (aside from my husband) about it. People like Bev, exist and while they may not be who I spend my “free time” with, they often work themselves into integral pillars of Church society, and while I haven’t met a person I’ve actually disagreed with to a meaningful extent within the church thus far (at my Parishes), I certainly don’t want to attract that kind of attention and audience lol. So thanks for your video! 😊

[@moritod]

Hello Francis. I've been considering my comment for a while, but I find that I just can't plan it out. So I'm going to wing it. Like you, I'm a a Catholic survivor. And you covered so much of that so well. It took me a long time to watch Midnight Mass simply because it's so good. Too good, in a lot of ways - of course, that's why it's horror. The only part of the show I'll point out here is the Neil Diamond song. One of the few pieces of music that wasn't a Catholic hymn. I've watched that scene so many times. Then I went to listen to the song - I'm of an age where I remember when it was on the radio, but it took Midnight Mass to make me remember how much I loved Holly Holy. I bring this up because of the nostalgia factor. How happy they were when it played. The look of beatific joy, the inclusion, the love. There's a lot of powerful moments in Midnight Mass, but this is the one that lingers longest for me. I haven't been to church, with the exception of my father-in-law's funeral, for decades. It's the right choice and I stand by it. But before that, I wanted to be a nun. I already had the order picked out, my path was clear, the sisters knew - I was there. Then I saw something that changed my life. I walked away. But there are times when I miss it on nearly an instinctive level, and that came roaring back when I saw the Holly Holy scene. It reminded me how insidious it all is, how much I truly want to believe. I want to go home. I want to, but I can't. Anyway, I thought you'd understand this little ramble. I'm glad you popped up on my feed even if it seems like you're not posting anymore. I really enjoyed your thoughts on this - thank you for sharing them with us.

[@khay_m]

This is my first time hearing of you and your channel. K

[@tuxedojunction9422]

I know I'm two years late to this video, but I thought Midnight Mass was great and remember it vividly. One thing that stuck me when watching it was the use of the song Ye Sons and Daughters, I think in the episode where Father Paul rose from the dead. I sing in a church choir, so my first reaction was, "You can't sing that before Easter! 'Alleluia' is right out from Ash Wednesday until Easter!" (I think that episode was Good Friday). But of course the music was drawing the parallel between the way the community reacted to Father Paul's resurrection and the days following Jesus' resurrection. I don't know if part of the point was also to point out that just as this modern-day "miracle" was being misunderstood by the community and seeming to begin to spawn a rather horrifying offshoot of Catholicism, so might Jesus' disciples and the community of that time misunderstood and misinterpreted Jesus' resurrection and put their own misguided direction on the early church. But the use of the song definitely pushed my thoughts in that direction. Ye sons and daughters, let us sing! The King of heav’n, the glorious King, O’er death today rose triumphing. Alleluia! Alleluia! and (skipping a bunch of verses) That night the apostles met in fear; Amidst them came their Lord most dear, And said, “My peace be on all here.” Alleluia! Alleluia!

[@urie4678]

15:37 This is so true, at least from my experience! I went to a Catholic school and oftentimes, I'd pass by the deacon. Though they're a rank below a priest, they speak the same way. I confided to him about some school troubles, he'd reassure me but it would always have a 'religious twist' or would always link it back to God. I just finished the show last night, and was looking for more Midnight Mass content and came across yours! I really enjoyed this video! :')

[@iamjudasproject]

Thank you!! ❤️ and yeah… that’s how it was for me…