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06th Mar 2014

Priest in Cork is forced to cancel Ash Wednesday after parishioners complain of being scorched

Bishop Brennan is on the case.

Tony Cuddihy

A priest in County Cork was forced to stop giving out ashes on Ash Wednesday after parishioners claimed they were being scorched.

Fr. Eugene Baker from Newtownshandrum revealed how Mass-goers complained of blistering and a burning a sensation when the ashes were applied, with one man even being taken to hospital, according to the Mirror.

“It was while I was placing the ash on the foreheads of parishioners that people began complaining about a burning sensation on their foreheads” said Fr Eugene Baker.

“I was surprised by it as I was dipping my thumb in the ashes but did not have any sort of reaction to it myself.”

Father Baker immediately stopped giving out ashes and told his congregation to wipe down their foreheads post haste.

“It was just an unfortunate incident and I immediately apologised to everybody in the church” he said.

“Thankfully the only people given the ashes were all adults.

“I have been assured a reaction like this can happen – it was not some sort of supernatural event.”

Hat-tip to the girls over at Her.ie  for this one…

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