Dear Editor, Over the past couple of weeks, I have read numerous articles in relation to the recent controversy surrounding Maynooth seminary. These have included speculation regarding the priesthood and what form it should take in this time.
There are some who believe that our more recently ordained priests are of a more traditional mindset than in years past, and who express fear that this is a backwards step. There are even arguments afoot which imply that if a priest is traditional in mindset, he will automatically be lacking in compassion and mercy.
There may be some who fit that description, but the generalisation of such a negative image to all traditionally-minded priests, religious or lay people is highly biased and wrong. It is a fallacy to believe that traditionalists can be so easily categorised or that people who express liberal views have the monopoly on compassion.
Blessed Teresa of Calcutta, soon to be declared a saint, was of a traditional Catholic mindset; was she lacking in compassion or love when she cared for the ‘untouchables’ of India or tended to the sick and dying? Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati, a significant patron for young people, also upheld and promoted traditional Catholic beliefs; did he not demonstrate immense compassion and love towards the poor of Turin? Or if we look amidst the Catholics of today, will only liberals stand out as beacons of charity and mercy?
Ultimately, adherence to, and belief in Church teachings, even the more controversial ones, should not warrant an immediate label of rigid, authoritarian and lacking in compassion. What allows the greatest compassion and mercy to manifest is a vibrant and dynamic relationship with God, not our ‘belonging’ to the liberal, moderate or conservative sides of the Catholic spectrum. Speculating on the priesthood or the ceaseless debating of matters concerning sexuality, marriage, or celibacy will only bring us so far, if any distance at all; speculating on how best to cultivate and strengthen strong relationships with God will extend far further.
Yours etc.,
Róisín O’Rourke.
Leitrim Village,
Co. Leitrim.