My father was Catholic, my mother was Protestant, and because of that I got Christened in both churches, so I've got all these names... but my Dad always called me Mick.

In this quote, Mickey Spillane reflects on his unique upbringing, which involved being raised in a family with religious differences. His father was Catholic, and his mother was Protestant, leading to his being Christened in both churches. This highlights the way his parents navigated their differing religious backgrounds, showing a willingness to blend traditions in order to ensure he was part of both faith communities. Spillane’s mention of having "all these names" refers to the multiple religious influences and identities he inherited as a result of his mixed upbringing.

Spillane's statement, "but my Dad always called me Mick," reveals how, despite the formalities and multiple religious associations, his father’s affection for him was expressed through a more personal and simplified nickname. The name “Mick” stands in contrast to the more formal or complex identifiers associated with his Christening. It suggests that, while religion and family traditions may have shaped him in certain ways, the bond between him and his father was defined by a simpler, more direct form of affection.

This anecdote also speaks to the role of family dynamics and personal relationships in shaping one's identity, independent of external influences like religion or social expectations. Spillane is offering a personal reflection on how his father’s love transcended the complexity of religious traditions and was instead expressed through a simple, affectionate nickname.

Ultimately, the quote underscores Spillane’s sense of identity, shaped by both the cultural and personal aspects of his life. His father's choice to call him "Mick" reveals a personal connection that was unaffected by religious or social labels, emphasizing how identity can be influenced by both familial love and the blending of different heritages.