(ANSA) Genoa, February 2 - An elderly priest has set off a
furore among some of his parishioners by telling families
gathered for mass that "Father Christmas doesn't exist".
A number of parents and grandparents attending the church in
Rapallo walked out in consternation when Father Pasquale
Limoncini, aged 89, lambasted in his homily what he called "not
exactly sober" Christmas decorations organised by the local
council including the construction of a "Father Christmas house"
on the sea front of the Ligurian resort.
Fr. Limoncini went on to declare that "Father Christmas
doesn't exist" and called for the poverty and humility of the
baby Jesus and the Virgin Mary, patron of the town, to be
stressed next Christmas.
Furore as priest claims 'Father Christmas doesn't exist'
Parishioners with children leave church