"Santa Claus does not exist." These are four words that, according to several residents of Baratili, the town's parish priest allegedly uttered. These words have caused considerable discontent among children and families alike. So much so that a parish parent, Alessio Fanari, today decided to send a letter to Archbishop Roberto Carboni of Oristano. "I am writing to express my deep sadness and concern over what recently happened during Mass and during catechism sessions with the children," the statement reads. "During the service, the priest, Don Valerio Casula, explicitly stated that Santa Claus does not exist. This statement, made in front of very young children, has caused great disappointment, sadness, and confusion. I wish to emphasize," the letter reads, "that this is not a question of faith or doctrine, but rather of educational sensitivity and respect for roles. The way and context in which the topic was addressed have effectively invaded the educational sphere of families, abruptly breaking an important symbolic and emotional element for childhood."
Fanari then reflects: "We are all educators: parents, catechists, parish priests, grandparents, uncles, and parishioners. And as such, we have a duty to make children happy and feel good by trying to carry on a tradition rich in magic. Santa Claus, while not a real figure, is nonetheless alive in the hearts of those who love him and believe that gifts are a sign of generosity. Therefore, I don't think it's right that children should be taught the non-existence of such an important figure by people who should instead be guiding them in their discovery in a natural way. This letter isn't intended to stir up controversy, but rather to ask for your intervention so that similar situations don't happen again."
Don Valerio Casula, however, offers a different version, firmly rejecting the accusations : "I never said Santa Claus doesn't exist. I said that Santa Claus has nothing to do with the birth of Jesus, with the true meaning of Christmas, which is something entirely different. I also said that the myth of Santa Claus originates with Saint Nicholas of Bari. Furthermore, when I explained all this, the children in church weren't present.
