$9 a Mass, for 260 Years, Church Says
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LEVICO TERME, Italy — The mayor of this northern town says that Roman Catholic Church officials have sent him a bill for more than $20,000 for a series of special Masses celebrated since 1630.
The church said the town requested the special Masses in the 17th Century when it was troubled by the plague.
Mayor Giuliano Gaigher said Saturday that church authorities are now insisting on payment of 10,000 lire (about $9) for each of seven votive Masses celebrated each year since 1630. That would bring the total bill to about $22,000.
“We are doing historical research. We haven’t found any commitment by the town” to pay for the Masses, Gaigher said in a telephone interview.
The Italian news agency ANSA quoted local church officials as saying they are willing to work out a solution.
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