Please cross yourself- "In Nomine Patris et Filli et Spiritus Sancti, Amen" "In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, Amen.". The cold of the Holy Water stings on your skin as your eyes grow accustomed to the gloom of the immense stone structure. You notice some very strange braying sounds coming from the High Altar. Curious, you follow your ears toward the Sanctuary, your path being illuminated by shafts of light from the stained glas windows.
Your first sight is that of the Priests and Canons of the Cathedral singing the morining Mass- the Mass of the Asses, Drunkards and Gamblers. Accustomed to the solemn chant of the usual feasts, you are surprised by the strange sounds coming from the Altar. The smell of sour incense made of filthy old shoe soles assails your nose- what more is to follow in the service? Fortunately, the Church authorities have already limited some of the more extreme practices. What is the origin of this bizzare festival and what is that donkey doing at the altar?
Some things for you to think about in relation to the Cathedral:-
This page created on the 8th of September 1996, the Feast of the Nativity of the Mother of God.