Two illustrations of the same church - the Oratory of St Francis de Sales, Hartley, Kent.
You will notice the thatched roof. Many years ago, Ada Mackie went on a church outing here. As she was leaving the oratory, she crossed herself with holy water at the stoop by the door, then casually put her hand up to feel the material of the thatch which was overhanging the lintel. The rest of her party noticed her do this and presumed it was some devotional practice peculiar to those parts. One by one, everyone was crossing themselves then solemnly "touching the thatch".
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