Dear Editor, The President and Taoiseach slammed the Catholic Church with their abortion legislation and they then participated in a Eucharistic celebration – the “Source and Summit of our Faith” – that demonstrated to the Church and future generations their disregard for the Magisterium. Unfortunately there has been little effective response from the hierarchy.
Abortion is one of the sins for which a Catholic is excommunicated, subject to basic conditions. The love and Mercy of God will always consider extenuating circumstances especially in the case of disturbed and distressed women who may not always be fully responsible for their actions. No one can be morally explicit in such circumstances and the compassion of the Catholic Church is not lacking in guiding those who seek help.
Neither our Taoiseach or our President appeared unduly disturbed or distressed as they ratified the legalisation of abortion, and I fail to find appropriate extenuating circumstance to justify their reception of Holy Communion including the VIP manner under which Mr Kenny received. Does Michael D. or Enda believe or accept that the Eucharist is the Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, Creator and Master of the Universe. Are they aware of the outrages sacrileges and indifferences by which He is offended?
This is not a moral condemnation of these men. God alone will judge their immortal souls albeit their relationship with His Church. Nor is it intended as criticism of the Catholic Church whose mandate from Christ will never be diminished by prince or politician. These gentlemen have flaunted their authority over the Church by their public actions and the hierarchy has prevaricated in its response. Perhaps the solution may lie in Matt. 10:34 “Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the world, no I did not come to bring peace but a sword.”
Yours etc.,
Donald McDonnell,
Hillside,
Co. Louth.