'CH.' Correspondent THE Carmelite nuns in Skana. West Sweden, have now received government permission to establish a convent.
Recent debates in the Swedish Parliament over this affair were a reminder that the need to get permission for religious houses to be opened is the one remaining restriction on the Church in Sweden. It does not apply to nuns running schools, nursing homes, hospitals or guest houses.
The permission given to the Carmelites is dependent, however, on certain conditions. Perpetual vows must not be taken before the age of 25. Government officials must be free to enter the convent and talk to individual nuns. Annual reports must be submitted, giving the number of nuns and their nationality.
The conditions reveal a fear that nuns may be compelled to remain in the convent against their will.
Paris landslide
The Holy See has sent a message of deep sorrow and sympathy to the families of the victims of the landslide in tne Paris suburb of Clamart which resulted in 16 deaths as 50 buildings collapsed.