Oh Lord, pray for us shoppers....

According to today's Irish Times there is to be an "ecumenical service" before the official opening of the new "Dundrum Town Centre"*. To me this sounds all a bit odd. I realise that shopping is the new religion but is this not taking things a little too far? There are many thing in the world to pray for, the success of a new shopping centre (and all who shop in her?) is hardly one of them.........

(edited version published in the Irish Times on 5 March 2005)

*(this is the largest shopping centre in Ireland).