Dear Editor, Corpus Christi processions have a tremendous impact in bolstering the Faith. These processions, with their vibrant display of faith and devotion, serve as a powerful testimony to the enduring strength and unity of the Catholic community.
They provide a unique opportunity for believers to come together in prayer, adoration and celebration of the Holy Eucharist. As the faithful gather in the streets, their united presence not only reaffirms their shared commitment to their Faith but also serves as a visible reminder to the wider community of the enduring values and traditions that underpin Irish society.
Moreover, the very public nature of these processions serves as an invitation to those who may be searching for a deeper connection with their faith. The procession, with its clergy, religious orders, and devoted laity, can be a powerful beacon of hope and inspiration for those in need. It offers an opportunity for them to witness first-hand the beauty and richness of the Catholic tradition and, perhaps, be moved to explore their own spiritual journeys?
Furthermore, the processions provide an avenue for the Faithful to express their gratitude and reverence for the gift of the Eucharist. This sacred sacrament lies at the heart of our worship and belief, and the processions allow believers to publicly demonstrate their deep devotion to the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist. The grandeur and solemnity of these processions create a fitting backdrop for the adoration and worship of the Blessed Sacrament, reinforcing its central role.
The processions foster unity, inspire the Faithful and offer a powerful witness. Let us continue to cherish and support these processions, recognising them as an invaluable means of strengthening the spiritual fabric of our society.
Yours etc,
Grace Boyne
Carlow town, Carlow
Euthanasia a consequence of atheism
Dear Editor, It seems to me that euthanasia is a consequence of atheism. If people had a belief in the afterlife or a spiritual world beyond this one, they wouldn’t be in such a hurry to end this life. Life would have some meaning. The Bible’s exhortation that there is a time to reap and a time to sow, a time to be born and a time to die, is a lovely way to express the value we attach to life. For an atheist there is nothing beyond the material world. Maybe, even then they see no value in the physical facts of their environment, so it doesn’t matter whether they live or die. Just a thought.
Yours etc.,
Brid Fitzpatrick
Terenure, Dublin 6W
Thanking parents for bringing kids for sacraments
Dear Editor, Having read your comment page ‘Serious conversations about ‘bouncy castle Catholics’’ [The Irish Catholic – June 8, 2023] I attended a First Holy Communion ceremony on June 10, where the priest spoke to a very large congregation (many of whom might be perceived by some as ‘bouncy castle’ Catholics). He said that he was going to keep his homily very short and that he was going to say something very important to them.
And what he said was that God loves each and every person present unconditionally and with a deep love that is beyond our understanding.
He said that he saw no one at the door with a stick beating the people in. He said that like the priests who are here to pass on the Faith, parents who want what is good for their children, want to be here today, and to bring their children, because they want to pass on the Faith to their children. And he thanked them for that. And he thanked them for being there. He said that everyone was welcome to receive Holy Communion.
I think that many who may not come to the church very often felt welcomed and that they felt that it was OK for them to be there, and I think blessed.
And I want to thank him for that.
Yours etc.,
Grace Fayne
Clonsilla, Dublin 15
Mass-going abandonment due to unhelpful homilies
Dear Editor, Fr Martin Delaney’s ‘Serious conversations about ‘bouncy castle Catholics’’ article [The Irish Catholic – June 8, 2023] was fine as far as it went. His ‘serious conversations’ plea stopped short of the one thing that only Mass celebrants can change. It is the homilies on First Communion and Confirmation occasions.
About 50 years ago, Maynooth Prof. Fr Peter Connolly said: “I can see us Irish discarding Catholicism within a generation. We Irish are an unsentimental, calculating lot. We rightly discard what doesn’t help us. We have largely discarded our inherited Gaelic language as being helpful. We will do the same with Catholicism that we find unhelpful. We are already doing so for that reason.”
The incontrovertible fact is: People would not have abandoned Mass-going – as over 95% of Dublin Catholic males now have – if they found Mass homilies helpful; they would queue up to be in the pews and be seminarians.
Yours etc.,
Joe Foyle
Ranelagh, Dublin 6
Create safer environments for children online
Dear Editor, Breda O’Brien outlined well the dangers of smartphones and internet access [The Irish Catholic – June 1, 2023].
In today’s digital age, it is imperative that we, as parents and guardians, take proactive measures to protect the well-being and innocence of our children.
Smartphones have become ubiquitous in our society, and while they offer numerous benefits and conveniences, they also expose children to a myriad of potential risks. The internet, with its vast expanse of information, presents a double-edged sword for young minds. While it can provide valuable educational resources, it also exposes children to inappropriate content, cyberbullying, online predators and potential addiction to social media platforms.
Children are still developing emotionally and mentally and their exposure to the unfiltered world of the internet can have detrimental effects on their development. They may encounter explicit or violent content that can distort their perception of reality and negatively impact their psychological well-being. Furthermore, unrestricted access to smartphones can lead to sedentary lifestyles, hindering their physical health and social interactions.
We are called to protect and nurture the innocence of children, fostering an environment that enables their spiritual growth. Excessive exposure to the internet at a young age can erode their moral and spiritual compass, as they are bombarded with conflicting messages and values. It is our responsibility to guide them towards wholesome, uplifting content that promotes virtue and nurtures their Faith.
By setting limits on children’s access to smartphones and closely monitoring their online activities, we can create a safer environment for their growth and protect their precious innocence. It is crucial to establish open lines of communication with our children, educating them about the potential dangers they may encounter online and equipping them with the tools to make wise choices.
The importance of limiting children’s access to smartphones cannot be overstated. We must be vigilant in safeguarding our children from the dangers of unrestricted internet access, ensuring their physical, emotional and spiritual well-being. Let us prioritise their innocence and guide them towards a healthier and more balanced use of technology.
Yours etc.,
Emma Taylor
Navan, Co. Meath
A bold step towards inclusivity and progress
Dear Editor, How absolutely shocking it is to hear that St Vincent University Hospital in Dublin has dared to remove Catholic religious imagery from public display – so brave.
Clearly in order to make people comfortable there’s a need to whitewash the hospital’s history and remove all religious imagery, spitting in the face of all the hardworking sisters who gave their lives to help the most needy when no one else would. Bravo, St Vincent University for taking such a bold step towards progress and inclusivity!
Yours etc.,
John Fagan
Kilmacanogue, Co. Wicklow