A Thousand Balloons

SAO PAULO, Brazil (AP) -- A Roman Catholic priest who floated off under hundreds of helium party balloons was missing Monday off the southern coast of Brazil. The Rev. Adelir Antonio de Carli lifted off wearing a helmet, thermal suit and a parachute. The priest wanted to break a 19-hour record for the most hours flying with balloons to raise money for a spiritual rest-stop for truckers.

First, I hope the fellow is ok; I wish him a safe life and good health in his adventure.

But it does seem to be a rather odd way to raise money for his ministry to truckers. Me, I’d have a second collection, or a pierogie sale or maybe ask the diocese for backing. But sailing away under a huge column of a thousand balloons – no, not my way of picking up some coin for any sort of fine project, regardless of what it may be.

There’s a priest in Mexico somewhere who is a wrestler and puts on exhibitions after Mass. He has raised quite a few pesos for whatever works he does that have no other support. I assume he is not the villain in these battles.

Meanwhile, the search goes on for the Rev. de Carli, as pieces of balloons have been found in the water. He was last heard on his radio asking for assistance in learning how to use his GPS device as he floated along in the air.

Perhaps a few more ounces of prevention…