An anecdote sent by New York Times reader David G. Wilkins to the paper's Metropolitan Diary column suggests that rising to a place of authority in the church may not be as difficult as one might think:
During a stopover in New York this year, a friend, Marco del Bufalo, who is an architect, decided to become a member of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. When filling out the enrollment form, he included “Arch.” to indicate his profession.
Apparently that and his home address in Rome created some confusion, for when his membership card arrived, it identified him as “Archbishop Marco del Bufalo.” He was delighted with his new status!
Holy Orders: a little-known perk of museum membership. In a related story, the Museum of Natural History is offering IMAX tickets, gift shop discounts and the title of Juris Doctor to every adult who signs up for a family membership.
