Dear Editor, Mary Finegan (IC Letters 27/07/2017) believes that “banning women from being ordained priests is insulting”. At the Last Supper, Jesus told his apostles that, “the Holy Spirit whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything, and remind you of all I have said to you” (Jn 14:26). Further, “when the spirit of truth comes, he will lead you to the complete truth (Jn 16:13). St Paul speaks of the household of God which is the Church of the living God, “the pillar and foundation of truth” (1 Tim 3:15).
Those of us who still attend Sunday Mass are reminded of the “divinity of Christ” after reciting “I believe in one Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church”. Therefore, I believe when the Pope addresses the whole Church and uses the phrase “in virtue of my ministry of confirming the brethren I declare…” (Lk 22:32), he is making a formal statement reminding us of what is the dogmatic and infallible teaching of the Church.
“I declare that the Church has no authority to confer priestly ordination on women and that this judgement is to be definitively held by the churches of the faithful”.
The Church teaches that Christ ordained only men at the Last Supper and regards this as a divine mandate to do the same. It is part of the deposit of faith and not even Pope Francis has the power to change it. In sacramental celebrations, the ordained priest acts in the person of Christ and represents Christ the bridegroom in relation to the Church as bride.
Yours etc.,
Gerry Glennon,
Dun Laoghaire,
Co. Dublin.
Stunts won’t win support
Dear Editor, I too was appalled when I saw the image on social media of a ‘repeal’ jumper spread on the altar of the Oblate church in Inchicore (IC 10/08/2017). This insult was intended to provoke the people of faith. However, I think it has back-fired on the pro-choice campaign because the people of the middle ground in this very sensitive debate are more likely to be put off by such a stunt than swayed to their side.
Yours etc.,
Bernie Buckley,
Douglas,1
Co. Cork.
Empty churches should just be closed down
Dear Editor, I wish to congratulate Dr Andrew Maxwell (IC Letters 20/07/2017) on his point that the GAA is the new religion in Ireland. First of all the GAA is very well sponsored for all their games in Croke Park, therefore they should pay all the players. All Ireland tickets will be €90 this year, and the GAA sold their soul to Sky for €10million.
Did not the Church find and shelter the GAA? The officials soon forget the Church, eaten bread is soon forgotten. What is the purpose of a bishop in Croke Park All Ireland Sunday? He represents nothing in the eyes of the GAA.
The Church is useful for; Baptism (most do not practice their religion), First Communion (First Communion money and the sacrament of bouncing castles), Confirmation (the sacrament of looking good and a good feed of drink), marriage (many now go to the registry office) and deaths (bodies can now be cremated).
It is high time that like banks the Church would now move forward and close down its buildings. If the Church cannot maintain, it should be closed – it is a poor chimney that cannot draw its own smoke.
It is quality Christianity that Ireland needs. There are many good people who wish to practice Christianity in Ireland and who are willing to follow Christ. Many go on pilgrimages to strengthen their faith, as many go to rock concerts.
We need guidance in Ireland now and who can give us that leadership?
Yours etc.,
Barry Alldis,
Bray,
Co. Wicklow.
We need more than ordinations of new priests
Dear Editor, Our poor priests are run off their feet. Soon they will all be gone unless something radical is done. I cannot see the Church surviving, the way it is going. When discussions of the shortage of priests arise two solutions are always presented – ordaining married men and ordaining women. However, neither of these suggestions, one possible and the other impossible, will get to the heart of the problem. The Anglican Church ordains both married men and women and it hasn’t solved their vocations problems.
Solving the vocations crisis will mean solving the downturn in the practise of the Faith first and foremost. It means evangelisation and a radical overhaul of how secular Ireland views religion and people of faith.
The appalling standard of religious education amongst the young people must be a starting point for bishops, as well as the quality of formation training being offered to seminarians.
We must face the future presented to us with faith, hope and lots of prayer.
Yours etc.,
John Rogers
Swords,
Co. Dublin.