Posted on 08/26/2010 2:24:43 PM PDT by a fool in paradise
As Pope Benedict XVI prepares to embark on a tour of England next month, Vatican officials are taking pains to make sure his followers know that the massive, open-air events planned on the trip should not be viewed in the same light as rock concerts or sporting events.
On Monday, organizers released a list of banned, as well as sanctioned, items of which papal revelers need to be advised. Surge Desk has a round-up:
Forbidden
Vuvuzelas: That annoying drone heard at the World Cup 2010 will be silenced for England's papal masses.
Wine: It may represent the blood of Christ, but it's not going to be flowing while the pope speaks.
Barbecues: To avoid a fire hazard, ribs and chicken are best prepared beforehand and eaten cold.
Candles: Lighting candles may be a sacred Catholic rite, but it's also dangerous in large groups.
Musical instruments: No, you will not be able to give us your rendition of "Stairway to Heaven."
Pets: Serpents? Goldfish? Leave them at home, though seeing-eye dogs are permitted.
Alcoholic beverages: The ban on booze doesn't just include wine.
Gazebos: True, seeing the pope may prove to be a full-day commitment, but erecting shelter seems a bit much.
Allowed
Sunscreen: If you're not lucky enough to find a shady spot in Hyde Park, you'll want to pack some SPF protection.
Banners: Nothing says "I love you, Pontiff" more than a hand-painted sheet.
Flags: There are sure to be no shortages of Union Jacks on display for the pope's visit.
Cushions: While waiting in crowds estimated to be 80,000 deep, a little padding for the bum is crucial.
Folding chairs: Cushions are great, but lumbar support is next to godliness.
Food and drink: So long as you don't cook it there, and it doesn't contain alcohol, you can feel free to indulge.
Why is Benedict's visit so hotly anticipated as to necessitate guidelines? As MSN.com notes, this is only the second time a pope has visited the U.K. since the time of Henry VIII, who was king of England from 1509 through 1547.
Who's there?
Babs's vuvuzela.
>> Forbidden
>> Vuvuzelas
How are they going to enforce that? I mean, they’re permanently attached to the wimmen folk and all...
Thank God the Holy Father hates vuvuzelas too. O plastic shofar, get thee away from mankind!
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