A PRIEST based in Galicia managed to ban mobile phone use in his church – and warn against it whilst driving – using a humorous message that has gone viral on social media.
Xosé Manuel Lence, vicar in A Ramallosa – a tied hamlet or parish of Nigrán (Pontevedra province) – since 2013 became a little fed up with constant ring tones during mass, so he put up a sign on the church door.
“On entering this church, it's possible you'll hear 'God calling',” the sign read.
“But it's not likely he'll be calling you on your mobile.”
“Thank you for switching off your phone.”
“If you want to talk to God, enter, find a quiet corner and talk to him.”
The final message was a nod to safe driving – a serious message which Father Lence said was 'mainly in jest'.
“If you want to see God, send him a WhatsApp message while you're driving,” he wrote.
Father Lence said it was 'a friendly reminder' and felt humour was the way to do it.
But he was not expecting to see it doing the rounds on Twitter, gaining hundreds of 'shares' and thousands of 'likes', as well as several hundred comments, nearly all positive.
At least Twitter user gave Father Lence a 'bravo' for his incidental road safety message when sharing a photograph of the sign.
