We are not as sophisticated as we would like to imagine where religion is concerned

It is a matter of taste, or maybe conviction. Either way the relics of St Anthony have prompted the devotion of thousands in all-weathers around the country.

They are with the Capuchins in Church St around the corner from the Four Courts in Dublin today. Wexford, Cork, Limerick, and Galway had their turn. Tomorrow its Belfast and then off to Glasgow.

Halloween, the vigil of the Christian feast of All Hallows, popularly called All Saints, is nearly on us.