I hate to be a name-dropper (like the time Cardinal Martino came to MACC, celebrated mass, and signed my copy of the Compedium), but I personally know the famous movie director, Robert Rodriguez.  I met him when we both attended St. Anthony High School (run by the Oblates of Mary Immaculate at the time) here in San Antonio.  He was a sophomore when I was a senior.  After highschool I went to a college formation house run by the Oblates in Austin – and so did Robert.  Recently while on a barge in the San Antonio River with my family, the guide asked “Did you know that Robert Rodriguez went to South San High School?”.  Of course I immediately corrected him, he was a bit surprised especially since he said that he had Robert on his barge and that is what was told to him.  Well I was happy to give him the inside scoop. 

I was very disappointed to hear that Robert recently divorced from his wife of 16 years (Elizabeth Avellan), after gossip columns say he had an affair with the star of one of his movies (Grindhouse).  Robert has five children.  When I first heard about Robert making it big, I wondered if he would get caught up with the glamour and culture of Hollywood – I guess he did.  Very sad.  I hope he snaps and realizes what he is doing and makes amends to his family.  I am sure his parents and siblings are very disappointed.  I also wonder about his faith life.  Was it strong before his stardom?  Did his family attend church?  I only wonder this because I know he was in a Catholic High School (once a seminary) where we had prayer everyday and mass twice a week.  In the formation house, we had evening prayer and mass every day.  I pray for Robert and his wife and kids, that they may someday reunite to be a family.  I pray for the children especially.  Before I condemn him,  I also ask myself, would I be able to withstand all those Hollywood güeritas throwing themselves at me?  Now there’s a funny image.