Dear Editor, Every baptised person has a duty to proclaim the kerygma, the Good News of the Gospel. God Himself commanded us: “Always be prepared to give an answer to anyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that we have, but to do it with gentleness and care” (1 Pet 3:15).
Not only to be prepared but to be eager to share and defend the knowledge of the Faith by gently imparting the truth; not by aggressively condemning another’s opinion.
Hope is an expression of the intellect and to “give a reason for the hope” is to give a reasonable or rational explanation. The hope that we have is neither false nor deceptive; it is the confidence to know that we share in the salvation and eternal life gained for us by Jesus Christ.
Throughout the history of Christianity it has been necessary for apologists to defend the doctrines and teaching of the Catholic Church against the challenges, controversies, and heresies that have, at times, attacked the very foundation of the Catholic Faith.
Apologetics is a necessary theological discipline that defends and explains, with reason, the Christian doctrines. By so doing, it demonstrates that Christian thought and Greek philosophy are not in opposition. Faith and reason are both gifts from God and together they work in perfect harmony to defend and explain the truth.
Modern ideologies tend to distort the Church’s teaching, especially with regard to the sacraments and the sacredness of human life in all its stages.
This calls for a new era of apologetics which is an opportunity to teach and renew the Faith; a chance to open up people’s minds to the truth.
We know that we have the one true Church founded on the Rock of Peter and: “The gates of Hell will never prevail against it” (Matt 16: 18-19).
Yours etc.,
Christina Coakley,
Ballyhaunis,
Co. Mayo.
Good research but identification hardly correct
Dear Editor, Colm Fitzpatrick’s news item on Stephen Bullivant’s research piece on religious practice among Europe’s youth (IC 22/03/18) prompted me to download and study the larger online report.
An aspect that I found quite concerning was the author’s apparent interchangeable use of the initials UK with the word British. In the north of our country the majority of the age group studied identify themselves as Irish Catholic. They might not be too pleased to find their self-identification disregarded and classed a British Catholic.
Furthermore, the partial lumping together of figures for the distinct national churches in Britain and Ireland must surely render interpretation of the results less helpful to the three national bishops’ conferences.
From my personal perspective as a former headteacher of two English Catholic Secondary schools I take some consolation from the fact that young Catholics are more likely to attend church, more willing to identify as Catholic and more inclined to pray than those brought up in other Christian traditions which by and large have failed to invest in denominational education.
Future studies of this kind would greatly benefit from separation into different home nationalities and with some reference to denominational schooling.
Yours etc.,
Alan Whelan,
Killarney,
Co. Kerry.
Inaccurate shotgun term
Dear Editor, I think it would have been preferable if Mary McAleese had prefaced her strong statement on the Church’s “empire of misogyny” by explaining that in fact, she was referring to the curia in Rome specifically.
Unfortunately, she has intentionally allowed the less well-informed to continue with their usual Church-bashing. A little more elucidation would have helped. After all, there are so many good priests in parishes around the country doing very good work.
Yours etc.,
Mary Clarken,
Portlaoise,
Co. Laois.
A suggestion to help reverence at Church ceremonies
Dear Editor, For the purpose of countering a significant lack of reverence in Church and the likely consequence of scandal to young people, the promotion of awareness and respect for Our Blessed Lord’s Presence in the tabernacle of the altar is of prime importance. I suggest an enhancing procedure which could be introduced at the following Church ceremonies: the removal of Sacred Hosts from the tabernacle to the sacristy after the completion of the following ceremonies: baptisms, Holy Communions, confirmations, marriages and funerals.
People, understandably, want to engage in conversation at these ceremonies. Of course, an explanation of the reasons for this procedure, as already mentioned, would be given to the congregation. When all, or the vast majority, have exited the church the Sacred Hosts are brought back to the tabernacle. I appreciate that this will be an added burden on our over-worked priests and sacristans but the rewards for their courage and sacrifice will be eternal!
Yours etc.,
Patrick Muldoon,
Dundrum, Dublin 16.
We need to hear more from Niamh Uí Bhriain
Dear Editor, Thank you for the article on Niamh Uí Bhriain outlining the great work she does. I find it strange that she is not called upon to speak more on radio and TV. She led the Rally for Life on March 10 which was the most successful gathering ever promoting protection for the unborn. Hopefully all those involved in organising pro-life events will ensure that her talents are availed of as we need every possible life-affirming voice so that people will be led to vote for retention of the Eighth Amendment. As the only country afforded a chance to vote on this vital issue, it will be unforgiveable if we fail to speak up and work so that Ireland continues to protect both mothers and babies in our Constitution.
We must ensure that future generations can be guaranteed the most basic human right, the right to life, which has been afforded to all of us.
Yours etc.,
Mary Stewart,
Ardeskin, Donegal Town.
A shame for Pope to waste opportunity to visit North
Dear Editor, It is beyond me why Pope Francis will not be coming to the North of Ireland this August for the World Meeting of Families. There are so many parishioners and priests who would benefit from his presence, and it would certainly revitalise the churches to some degree. The Pope usually travels to multiple places on his papal visits, so why is this one the anomaly?
I think the Vatican need to seriously reconsider whether or not this is the right option, and if they go ahead with the present plan, many congregations up North will be very disappointed! This is a historic moment in our time, and what a waste it might be!
Yours etc.,
Bernie McConville,
Newry, Co. Down.
Witness for the gospel of life
Dear Editor, What a witness for the gospel of life by 100,000 people at the March for Life on March 10. One incident that gave me great hope in the younger generation was a young boy from Donegal. Not more than 10 years old, I’d guess, he roared out pro-life chants to the crowd of adults around him as he lead us along Merrion Square.
What an inspiration this young Donegal boy was with his huge county flag and fearless courage that would shame the “men” in Leinster House who wish to force the evil of abortion on Ireland.
Church leaders look up to this young Donegal boy with his bold witness. The pro-life future is secure with him and other children I saw marching with their families.
Yours etc.,
Declan Cooney,
Birr, Co. Offaly.