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Listening to a Catholic radio station recently, a listener from Johnston, Rhode Island, was surprised by the mention that leprechauns and fairies were described as demonic. This statement prompted questions about whether these playful images should be discarded. Jenna Marie Cooper, a consecrated virgin and canonist, responded by clarifying that it is not problematic for Catholics to use leprechaun or fairy imagery in an imaginative way.
Cooper explained that while the church has no official teaching on fairies or leprechauns, their roots in pre-Christian European paganism might have influenced such radio comments. She emphasized that Catholics should avoid practicing paganism but noted the historical practice of "baptizing" benign pagan imagery to make Christianity more accessible. An example given was the Celtic cross, which combines Christian and pagan symbols.
Cooper reassured that mainstream fairy or leprechaun imagery does not pose a spiritual threat unless someone seriously believes in these creatures and engages in pagan practices. Drawing parallels with fantasy stories like "The Lord of the Rings," she stated it's acceptable to enjoy such themes without delving into wizardry.
In another query from Indiana about Barabbas' fate after being released instead of Jesus, Cooper stated there is no formal church teaching on his ultimate destiny. Barabbas is mentioned in all four Gospels, with varying legends about his life post-release. The church typically refrains from commenting on individual souls' destinies after death, except for canonized saints recognized as being in heaven.
Jenna Marie Cooper's column appears weekly at OSV News. Readers can send their questions to CatholicQA@osv.com.
