Love jihad, satanic erotica-style

Call it a variation of 'love jihad'. Except, instead of paranoid neurotics replaying 'saving damsels in distress from Alauddin Khilji' fantasies, this one is of biblical proportions. Spanish bishop Xavier Novell Goma stepped down from his bishopric in August citing he had 'fallen in love' and that he wanted 'to do things properly'. With clergymen stepping out to become part of the laity because of the Great Hormonal Miracle not unheard of, there's nothing scandalous about Goma's departure to serve another object of veneration. But the Eucharist must have hit the ceiling when the ex-bishop was found to have fallen for - and subsequently (civilly) married to - Silvia Caballol. The lady is a fellow Christian, but happens to be the author of satanic erotica, frowned upon by folks who anyway look upon Satan in a dark light.

As per Catholic tradition, Goma has, despite being allowed to continue using the honorific 'bishop', been stripped of his 'church powers'. Which means no administration of sacraments, not catechism. So, unlike in the case of 'love jihad', the Holy See sees it fit to berate the seduced, not the seducee. So, the 'Other' woman - Muslim girl in India, satanic erotica writer in Spain - is not at fault, but 'Our' man - Hindu boy in India and Catholic bishop in Spain - is. God and the frisky devil sure work in mysterious ways.