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Local elections apart, such a quiet week that on Saturday The Sun led with the story that a bloke was buying a suit…
…and the newspaper both created and solved the Church Mystery: Grave of woman who died in 2011 mysteriously appears in cemetery overnight next to her mum’s plot . The assistance of its readers was sought regarding the circumstances leading to the placement of a new plaque to the lady in question, Eunice Eales, which was spotted by the vicar of St Margaret’s, Quadring , Lincolnshire as far back as December.
In the event, it proved unnecessary to alert Lincolnshire’s finest or the Time Team “gyophys” boys, as this appeared to be an issue of record keeping by the previous incumbent. The family are reported to have spent some time with the former priest discussing “the right stone, with the right lettering, to comply with [Churchyard] regulations”.
So far, so good, but subsequently a family member “went straight round to B&Q and bought some green kerbstones and some lovely gravel … bought some plants and shrubs and made the grave look lovely again”. Perhaps that’s the part of the Diocesan Churchyard Regulations which wasn’t discussed. A human interest story with wide media involvement clearly demands sensitive handling, but we hope that there would be enough flexibility within the system to enable an amicable pastoral solution to be achieved.
Cardinal Pell to face trial
On Monday, Melbourne Magistrate’s Court committed Cardinal George Pell for trial on “at least three” charges of sexual offences. Crux reports that, following a four-week committal hearing, the Court dismissed some of the most serious charges of “historical sexual offences” but committed him on the remainder. Pell is currently on leave of absence from his post as the Vatican’s Secretary for the Economy. Neil Addison explored the matter further here .
“Ecclesiastical toy fort” handed to community
On 23 April, the Diocese of Truro reported that the historic, listed St Day Old Church is to be handed over by the Church Commissioners to a new organisation dedicated to its future as a community resource. The building, […]