HI-TECH HOLY WATER CALMS FLU FEAR
Catholic churches in Italy are installing automatic holy water dispensers to help reduce the risk of spreading swine flu.
The outbreak of the H1N1 virus has led many churches to suspend the tradition of having holy water in open fonts into which people dip their hands.
The new machine works like an automatic soap dispenser, squirting water when a hand is passed under the tap.
Inventor Luciano Marabese says he is being inundated with enquiries.
About 30 people have died in Italy after catching swine flu.
Father Pierre Angelo Mota, from Capriano Briosco, north of Milan, said squirtable holy water had surprised some of his parishoners at first.
"It has been a bit of a novelty," he said.
"People initially were a bit shocked by this technological innovation but then they welcomed it with great enthusiasm and joy. The members of this parish have got used to it," he added.
Churchgoer Marta Caimmi agreed.
"It's great," she said. "Thanks to this we are not worried about catching swine flu. It is the right thing for the times."
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