Religion: Health Campaign

The Roman Catholic Church has lately noticed in rural Europe an increase of morbid, ultra-mystical worshippers and of strange fanatical figures deemed holy by the ignorant. Fairly well-known by Catholics throughout the world are the German peasant Therese Neumann and the Italian Franciscan Padre Pio, both of whom are reputed to have stigmata on their bodies. In Belgium and in Northern Spain are nuns who "sweat blood" during their devotions. Last week the Church moved to quiet the activities of all such persons. The Holy Office in Rome ordered the Belgian and...

Want the full story?

Subscribe Now

Subscribe
Subscribe

Learn more about the benefits of being a TIME subscriber

If you are already a subscriber sign up — registration is free!