Unless I'm missing something on the Vatican website, it looks like the Holy Father has yet to declare it the year of anything. A priest buddy* told me it was going to be the Year of Marriage. I think he was goofing on me.But even if the Year of Marriage is slated to follow the (dreadful) Year of St. Paul and the (even worse) Year of the Priest, I'd like to suggest Pope Benedict XVI exercise his ex cathedra option and declare it Year of the Kitty instead.
Doing so would be a nice nod in the direction of acknowledging all God's creation while providing plenty of fodder for members and observers of the Roman Catholic church. After all, who does not know that Pope Benedict XIV loves cats? Thus, Year of the Kitty would provide something for everyone ─ like those who love cats and hate the papacy; those who love the papacy and hate cats; and everyone along the spectrum in all directions.
And really, who wouldn't enjoy spending a year singing All Creatures of Our God and King:
and My Favorite Things:
*You know who you are.
