THE Bishop
of Leiria, Portugal, has forbidden the parish of Fatima to mark feast days with the typical village dances and fairs.
In a letter, which was read in all churches of the diocese, he urges all parishes in the diocese to abandon " their lighthearted dances and fireworks displays in order to observe feast days more solemnly."
ROCKETS
The usual celebration of feasts of Our Lady of Fatima and Sts. John, Anthony, Peter and Paul, include groups of girls and boys dancing to the village band and jumping through bonfires. Also, the firing of rockets is typical of a Portuguese celebration.
In forbidding such amusements in the Fatima parish, the Bishop reminded the faithful that. Our Lady had called them to prayer and penance. Ile asked that the feast he observed with Solemn Mass, Holy Communion, and a religious procession with the Blessed Sacrament.