Deum Adora... et Elvis?

The spirituality of Elvis has been broached on these pages before... but a priest-as-Presley impersonator?

In this church that Ronald Knox once famously described as "all saints, all souls, all sorts," it seems even that is the case:

Romanian-born Antonio Petrescu believes you can worship God and Elvis at the same time: as a Catholic priest and Elvis Presley impersonator, he finds his spiritual inspiration in the late rock legend.

"People ask me 'How can you reconcile Elvis impersonations with your choice of professional work?'" said Petrescu, who puts on his glittery suits and swivels his hips when not working as a parish priest in the Italian town of Avezzano.

When in doubt, remember the magic words: "otto per mila"....

[T]he priest said he believes Elvis is an appropriate inspiration for Christian worship because he sang of "love in general".

The 34-year-old's website has two separate entries -- one for the priest, another for the artist, which talks about his "fiery voice" and discography including the singles "Lovin' Arms" and "Reach out to Jesus".

...and also -- lest anyone forget, especially in this month dedicated to it -- "The Miracle of the Rosary."

Viz:



PHOTO: Reuters/Dario Pignatelli

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