It's been a few weeks since Fr. Rob has been full time on The Catholic Guy Show and I have to say that I've been pleasantly surprised. I wasn't greatly thrilled when it was announced that Fr. Rob was going to be a permanent member of Lino's staff (I'm pretty sure there is a "Hey-O!" in there someplace) Don't get me wrong, I've always liked it when Fr. Rob made his Thursday appearances. But I did not know how the "angry little leprechaun" act would play out day after day.
Fr. Rob has proven to be a nice companion on the show. I don't know if I could say that he has taken any of the limelight away from Lino but at the same time I wouldn't say that Fr. Rob is playing Ed McMahon to Lino's Johnny Carson either. He is more than just a side-kick. The role seems to be that of a spiritual director or an expert on religion. An obvious role for a priest on a Catholic radio show, I realize, but not really one that he has filled in the previous years. But at the same time, he is still Fr. Rob---the fun loving, vocal, out-spoken, guy who makes people ask, "this guy is a priest?"
I shouldn't be surprised that there is this side to Fr. Rob. It's been eluded to in the past that Fr. Rob is an intelligent guy. After all--I don't think the church would send a dummy to Rome to study (although, I could be wrong). I've also heard a listener call in who stated she had gone on the pilgrimage to Greece and remarked about how pleasant it was to have Fr. Rob hear her confession. Finally, Lino is a smart guy and a fantastic entertainer. I believe there is a method to his madness and a reason he would ask Fr. Rob to be a permanent part of the show.
Fr. Rob fills a hole on the show, I believe, that wasn't being met when it was just Maureen and Lou on the show--that of an expert and someone besides Lino who can talk about the faith. At the same time, he is goofy and fun and not boring.
There is still something missing on the show. There needs to be a third person to balance out the act. Someone to play the straight man, maybe. Ryan seems to be too busy and not really an on-air presence. I'm not sure who that person might be. I do know that Fr. Rob seems to be working out.
Love Fr. Rob,
Love his laugh...cute little chuckle, goes well with Lino...Love that he loves Survivor, don't get me wrong but when a priest likes secular things it makes them seem more "real" and easier to relate to. I enjoy the show and listen whenever Ican which isn't as much as I wish...makes me love being a catholic even more
I love that Fr Rob is a regular on the show. He is too funny and changed my perception of Priests and helped in bringing me closer to the Church and all Priests. I had to see him, so on a trip to my native NY, I went to Mass at St.. Helens to put a face with the voice. We had a short conversation and now while I'm laughing I can see who i'm laughing with. To top it off, I lost at "Rob Fr Rob" and was ragged on by him. That made my day!! Thanks Lino for giving Fr Rob a "real" job, LOL and thanks Fr Rob for showing that a Priest can be just like the rest of us!
I agree about your comment that there needs to be a third person on the show. I really miss Maureen and I think a woman's point of view is really needed. I do like Fr. Rob but the show is just not as funny as when Maureen was there.