Ash Wednesday burns mystery explained
An investigation has ruled out sabotage as the cause of skin rashes from ashes used during an Ash Wednesday ritual in the Philippines last week.
Bishop Pablo Virgilio David of Kalookan said the “mystery burns” people had on their foreheads after the ashes were administered in Manila Diocese were caused by acid.
A laboratory test found high level of acidity in the ashes due to “over burning”. “They call it overcooked charcoal that turned into caustic ashes that produced high acidity when mixed with water,” said the prelate.
After reviewing close-circuit television footage the possibility of sabotage was ruled out.
US senator denied Eucharist over abortion stance
Thomas Paprocki, the Bishop of Springfield in Illinois, US has barred Senator Richard Durbin from receiving Holy Communion. The decision came a month after the US Senate failed to pass the Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act, which would have banned abortion after 20 weeks. Senator Durbin was among 14 Catholics who voted against the Act.
In a statement issued by the diocese, Bishop Paprocki concurred with Cardinal Timothy Dolan, Chairman of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee on Pro-Life Activities, who called its failure “appalling”.