Letter of the week Not to sound sanctimonious, but…. Dear Editor, As communities enjoy the season of welcoming the children who have reached the age of reason to the table, and celebrate their young people answering an invitation to step forward either for Confirmation, or to be blessed, I wonder if, in our talk of…
Dear Editor, I was pleasantly surprised to read, ‘Don’t altogether dismiss ‘clericalism’’ by Mary Kenny [The Irish Catholic – May 9, 2024]. Mary articulated my sentiments so well. I too am attempting to discuss ‘clericalism’ with my priest confreres, on a somewhat informal basis. As a recently appointed co-PP, home from Zambia and formation ministry…
Dear Editor, Listening to the Gospel the other morning I was struck by the words “If the world hates you, remember that it hated me before you” (John 15:18). These words struck a chord with me because the previous day I was accused of lacking compassion by opposing assisted dying as a compassionate response to…
Dear Editor, I am writing to commend the courageous work of priests like Fr Ademir Marques OFM Cap., who selflessly minister to individuals experiencing homelessness and poverty, often facing dangerous situations in the process. The recent incident at the Capuchin Day Centre in Dublin, where Fr Marques was attacked – thankfully not badly injured –…
Dear Editor, I’m delighted and welcome Dublin airport’s decision to reverse the ban on the blessing of planes airside. It’s unfortunate that the initial announcement was made at all. The sudden change, and then reversal in policy was bizarre, particularly considering the longstanding relationship between parish and airport. Fr Des Doyle’s remarks about the supportive…
Dear Editor, I fully agree with the sentiments expressed by Fr Barry Matthews, Fr Joe Deegan, and Fr Tom Ryan regarding online Mass [The Irish Catholic – April 11, 2024]. While livestreamed Mass has undoubtedly been a lifeline for many during times of restricted physical gathering, it is essential to recognise its limitations. The Mass…
Dear Editor, I was heartened by Bishop Kevin Doran’s recent remarks in the article about the changing cultural landscape and its impact on our Faith [The Irish Catholic – April 4, 2024]. His call to focus on the fundamentals of our beliefs and the support offered by the Church is more important than ever as…
Dear Editor, As I followed Holy Mass from St Mel’s Cathedral in Longford recently, I thought of the fire that destroyed so much there a few years ago and of the tapestry of the holy family that was intact in spite of all the surrounding flames and destruction of all else. I ask myself, what…
Dear Editor, When I first read the proposed amendments to our Constitution, I was enraged as I remembered by own lovely mother and the wonderful women who have gone before us. To try and remove the word ‘mother’ completely and the word ‘women’ in this instance, is an insult to us all. The male of…
Dear Editor, The Synod on Synodality is occupying the centre stage in the Catholic media at present, so it is important not to miss matters relating to day-to-day problems needing swift resolution. In this context the ‘Notebook’ on the back page of The Irish Catholic is always worth reading. Fr Martin Delaney’s contribution ‘Poorly proclaimed…