Chasuble with "animal" pattern.
The outfit of Monsignor Nicola Girasoli, apostolic nuncio to Slovakia who last September 4th concelebrated mass together with the bishop of Molfetta, Monsignor Domenico Cornacchia, on the occasion of Don Salvatore Summo's 40th anniversary as parish priest, is causing discussion on the web.
The priest wore the curious robe during the Eucharistic celebration in Ruvo di Puglia, in the Bari area.
The photos, published on the cathedral's page and then removed, were flooded with comments.
From those who ironically compliment the style, to those who see us as "Cruella Demon", to those who launch into jokes.
Dozens of interactions which forced the cathedral to explain: «Given the particular and sui generis interpretations - we read on the Facebook page - it is specified that the chasuble worn for the celebration is part of the official liturgy of the poor African peoples of which the celebrant is always interested in his pastoral mandate and was worn to thank the Lord for the construction of a house for the most needy of those territories".
"We realize that the disrespectful comments are due to lack of knowledge - is the conclusion - please correct the inappropriate interpretations".
(Unioneonline/D)