If this story in the Portugal News is correct, then last fall's furor about non-Catholic groups conducting their own worship at the shrine at Fatima turns out to be wholly justified.
On May 5th, SIC and SIC Notícias carried a report on a Hindu religious service held in the Chapel of the Apparitions at the shrine.It's fine to let a non-Christian group visit a shrine, but it isn't right -- it's not even permissible, as far as I know -- that they be allowed to conduct their own rites in a consecrated church -- which is what the Capelinha is. Does anybody in the diocese of Leiria-Fatima have any idea of how bad this is?SIC’s broadcast appears, to some extent, vindicate The Portugal News’ October report. Sixty Hindus led by a high priest had travelled from Lisbon to pay homage to the Goddess Devi, the divinity of nature. SIC’s reporter described how before leaving Lisbon the Hindus had gathered at their temple in the city to pray to and worship various statues of Hindu gods.
Arriving in Fátima the pilgrims made their way to the Chapel of the Apparitions, where from the altar a Hindu priest led prayer sessions. A commentary on the service was given by the TV reporter who explained: “This is an unprecedented unique moment in the history of the shrine. The Hindu priest, or Sha Tri, prays on the altar the Shaniti Pa, the prayer for peace.” The Hindus can be seen removing their shoes before approaching the altar rail of the chapel as the priest chants prayers from the altar’s sanctuary.
