Heavenly Hoops

In 2013, which legendary basketball team played an exhibition game against a team of Vatican priests and seminarians?

A) Harlem Globetrotters

B) The Chicago Bulls

C) The Flying Nuns

D) The Swiss Guard Slam Dunkers

Saintly Streaker

Which saint is famous for giving away all his clothes to the poor and then walking around in his birthday suit to prove his humility?

A) St. Francis of Assisi

B) St. Lawrence the Grilled

C) St. Nicholas (a.k.a. Santa Claus)

D) St. Patrick

Popemobile Madness

What unusual vehicle was gifted to Pope John Paul II in 1980 but never used as an official Popemobile?

A) A red Ferrari

B) A bulletproof ice cream truck

C) A fully functional hovercraft

D) A customized monster truck called “Pontiff Crusher”

Divine Snacking

Which of the following foods is not named after a Catholic religious figure?

A) St. Honoré cake

B) Capuchin coffee

C) Benedictine liqueur

D) Pope Popcorn

Heavenly Hygiene

Which medieval saint was so devoted to prayer that he is rumored to have only taken two baths in his entire life?

A) St. Thomas Aquinas

B) St. Francis Xavier

C) St. Benedict

D) St. Anthony of Padua

Answers

Heavenly Hoops

Answer: A) Harlem Globetrotters

In 2013, the Harlem Globetrotters played an exhibition game against the Vatican’s basketball team, which consisted of priests and seminarians. It was a fun, friendly match aimed at promoting sportsmanship and charity.

Saintly Streaker

Answer: A) St. Francis of Assisi

St. Francis famously renounced his wealthy upbringing by stripping naked in front of a bishop and townspeople, symbolizing his complete surrender to God.

Popemobile Madness

Answer: C) A fully functional hovercraft

Pope John Paul II was gifted a hovercraft in 1980, but he never used it as an official vehicle. The Vatican reportedly found it impractical for papal processions.

Divine Snacking

Answer: D) Pope Popcorn

While Capuchin coffee (inspired by Capuchin monks), St. Honoré cake (named after St. Honoré, patron of bakers), and Benedictine liqueur (made by Benedictine monks) all have Catholic roots, “Pope Popcorn” is completely made up!

Heavenly Hygiene

Answer: C) St. Benedict

St. Benedict was so focused on prayer and asceticism that he is said to have only bathed twice in his life—once when he was born and once just before he died.