Religion: No More Donkeys

This morning at Mass I saw a pink donkey with green ears, standing on its head. I hasten to add that it was on one of those lively scarves worn by young ladies. In other moments of distraction I have observed . . . Mahjong players, Hawaiian dancing girls, Sheiks and camels, not to mention film stars and dogs. I would suggest that the Spanish mantilla might be more seemly and beautiful . . ."

So, three months ago, wrote a miffed male reader of Britain's Roman Catholic weekly, the Tablet. The Tablet printed a reply from Alan M. Allan, managing director of London's famed silk house, Jacqmar:

"My firm, not unnaturally, took this as a personal challenge . . . Unfortunately we find that there is no trade agreement which would permit the importation of mantillas from Spain. Over a number of years we have received a constant stream of letters suggesting that we produce a scarf suitable to be worn as a head covering in church, and though we often gave the matter serious consideration, the right idea eluded us. The Vatican has now authorized the publication in Italy of a scarf designed for the Holy Year. This carries a portrait of the Pope and his signature . . . With the approval of the Holy See we have obtained the sole right to reproduce and distribute these scarves in Great Britain and Eire. The first consignment will shortly be on the market." Last week Jacqmar reported sales of its brown, blue and gold Holy Year scarves as "most satisfactory."