I always have an eye out for sci fi stories and novels that feature Catholicism in some way or another, for good or for ill. Recently, I came across The Quest for Saint Aquin, an oldie pulpy written by Anthony Boucher.
The story, first published in 1951 in New Tales of Space and Time eventually won inclusion in The Science Fiction Hall of Fame: Volume One, 1929-1964.
Set in a dystopian future where the Church has been driven underground, the tale is about a priest named Thomas who is sent on a secret mission to find the reputedly incorruptible corpse of a great preacher. Should Thomas find the preacher’s body to be preserved from corruption, the pope hopes to canonize the dead man in the hope that the newly minted saint will aid the Church’s evangelism in the hostile world about her.
Thomas’ companion for the quest is the computer that runs the vehicle (a Robass) transporting him. On the road, the AI repeatedly tries to convince the priest to abandon his quest. Some mischief ensues.
The short read was enjoyable and ended with clever little twist.
Click the link below if you want to give it a shot.
