Impressed by ritual

I am a man of deep scepticism when it comes to religious beliefs. But

I am impressed by others' rituals. People are, I would guess, lucky

to have faith; I simply haven't got it. And people are artists in

carrying out their rituals; I'm an appreciative audience member. I'm

still glad I'm faithless.



So it was in seeing the Stations of the Cross being carried out by a

robed procession of priest and children, reciting and chanting, in

Varenna, Italy, on the dark evening of Good Friday, a month ago. I

was one of a tiny number of watchers, watching the larger group of

participants wander through the old town's alleyways to conduct a

short service at each Station. It was impressive.