A Viral Photo: The Story Behind The Priest And The Water Gun
In August 2023, a peculiar photo stirred up conversations on social media, featuring a priest holding a water gun aimed at a baby. This image caught the attention of many and quickly became a topic of discussion on platforms like Twitter. The photo, shared in a tweet that encouraged users to share their wildest COVID-related pictures, sparked curiosity and confusion regarding its authenticity and context.
The tweet, posted on August 8, 2023, read, "Drop the wildest Covid-related pic or video you’ve come across!" and included a picture of a priest wearing a mask, humorously pointing a water gun at a family. The image raised eyebrows and led to a flurry of inquiries about its origin and intent.
After thorough investigation, it was confirmed that the photo was indeed real. Tracing it back to Saint Mark Catholic Church in Manchester, Tennessee, we learned that it captured a light-hearted moment meant for fun. The priest in question, Rev. Stephen Klasek, served both this parish and its sister church, Saint Paul the Apostle in Tullahoma.
The Claim and Its Context
The claim surrounding this image was that it depicted a priest engaged in a bizarre act during a time when many were seeking light-hearted moments amidst the seriousness of the pandemic. As the photo circulated, various posts across social media platforms emerged, including a Facebook post from May 2020 and a YouTube video. These posts added layers of intrigue, hinting at a broader narrative about the church's engagement with the community during challenging times.
Upon examining these claims, it became clear that this photo was not an isolated incident. Similar images had surfaced during the pandemic, often showcasing humor in the face of adversity. The Catholic News Agency reported that Rev. Klasek had participated in this playful pose at the request of the family involved, highlighting the importance of community engagement and joy even in difficult times.
Confirmation and Clarification
To clarify the situation, we reached out to Saint Mark Catholic Church. They confirmed that the photo had been taken as a playful gesture in a family-friendly setting. The church aimed to dispel any misconceptions surrounding the image, emphasizing that the water gun was not intended for baptism but rather for humor.
The post that accompanied the image explained that various similar photos had gone viral during the pandemic, indicating a trend among priests to engage with their communities in light-hearted ways. This particular photo was a reflection of that spirit, intended to bring joy rather than confusion.
Key Takeaways
What You Will Learn
- The photo of the priest holding a water gun was genuine and intended for humor.
- Rev. Stephen Klasek served both Saint Mark and Saint Paul the Apostle parishes.
- The image reflects a broader trend of community engagement during the pandemic.
- Clarifications from the church aimed to dispel misunderstandings about the context of the photo.
Sources
CNA. "Catholic Priest Says Squirt Gun 'baptism' Photo Meant to Be 'Funny.'" Catholic News Agency, https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/44638/priest-says-water-gun-baptism-photo-meant-to-be-funny. Accessed 10 Aug. 2023.
Niland, Olivia. "This Priest Squirted Holy Water At Churchgoers At A Socially Distanced Service And He's Now A Meme." BuzzFeed News, 16 May 2020, https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/olivianiland/priest-water-gun-meme-coronavirus.
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