Hang Ten With Jesus... and mohammed, and krishna, and buddha
And the hijacking of St. Francis continues

Would you expect any less from the same gnarley dude who declared that kneeling during The Consecration was a Mortal Sin? Duuuuuuude.... forget about the Confessional, I'm tryin' to get into The Green Room.

Here's some of the bogus article from the California Catholic Daily, man; (Emphasis totally mine, dude.)
“Surfing priests”
Beaches “cultural and spiritual center of our community,” says Bishop Tod Brown

Bishop Tod Brown of the Diocese of Orange will play host to the first ever “Blessing of the Waves” at the Huntington Beach Pier on Sunday morning, Oct. 5, along with what the diocese is calling representatives of “other faith traditions.”

"In Orange County our beaches are more than simple geography, they are the cultural and spiritual center of our community,” (So much for all that 'Parish Church' stuff, huh?) said Bishop Brown in a prepared statement. “It is important that we recognize this common element in all our lives, regardless of faith tradition (read: heretics and pagans). Pope Benedict XVI and other spiritual leaders have called on all people to commit to the protection of these gifts of nature and preserve them for future generations."

The diocesan release noted that “many people, including Catholics, spend much of their time surfing and enjoying the natural beauty of our coast line and recognize the spiritual importance of this natural asset. Surfing has long been associated with Saint Christopher (SINCE WHEN!!??), who, although he no longer is listed on the universal calendar of saints, still has his devotees.”

For more than a year, the Orange diocese has been organizing “this new interreligious community activity lead by Catholic clergy, Diocesan youth groups, and participants of various faith traditions to call attention to the innumerable importance of our oceans and beaches, and to take a deeper look at their spiritual significance,” said the news release. “This first annual interfaith event will feature an opening prayer service, ceremonial paddle-out ("the ceremonial paddle-out" not to be confused with the ceremonial coming-out that so previlant in the Califirnia clergy), blessing of waves and attendees, acknowledgment of marine safety representatives, and will close with surfing priests and other religious leaders.”

"It is fitting that this blessing is set one day after the feast of St. Francis of Assisi, the patron Saint of ecology,” said Fr. Christian Mondor, OFM, vicar emeritus of Sts. Simon and Jude parish in Huntington Beach. “Our coast line and its diverse ecosystem are under constant strain and increased environmental pressures. This event seeks to remind our community that protecting the environment is central to Catholicism (is this the point where we all worship Mother Earth?) and many other faith traditions. I am excited to join with members of our diverse faith community here in Huntington Beach to bless waves, those who ride on them, and the lifeguards who protect ocean goers."