Prayers are becoming words without meaning
Dear Editor, It is always sad, and even a bit disturbing when, as a couple stand before the altar, there is no obvious passion in that moment when the vows of marriage are pronounced. In a similar way, I am constantly disappointed at the way the Our Father is usually recited during Mass. In general, I would say that little thought is being given to its importance and meaning by our average congregation. It may seem strange to compare it with the ‘Declaration of Consent’ at a marriage ceremony, but these two moments are quite similar. Both the Eucharist and the Sacrament of Marriage are Covenant celebrations where two parties agree to enter into a close relationship. In the case of marriage, the bride and groom have chosen to become wife and husband. After they have pronounced their vows, there is a meal, with the cutting of the wedding cake.
In the Eucharist, the New-Covenant-relationship between both parties – God, and all of us – is acknowledged when we stand and profess that God is Our Father (or more accurately: ‘Abba’ or ‘Daddy’). After that we have the Covenant Supper, with the dividing of the Lamb of Sacrifice. So, while both a marriage and a Mass are, by their nature, lovely, joyful, and happy celebrations, both have that solemn moment when the covenant relationship should be declared publicly, clearly, and meaningfully.
Yours etc.,
Pat Seaver,
Farranshone,
Limerick.
Embalming the dead a toxic practice
Dear Editor, As somebody concerned about the harm being done to our planet, Earth, I would like to protest at the widespread practice of embalming the dead. The toxic chemicals used in this process cause untold damage to the soil and pollution of the water. Embalming is totally unnecessary and seems to be another unwanted American import brought into this country without any regard for its consequences. I would like to make people more aware of the harmful consequences and encourage people to think before choosing this practice.
Yours etc.,
Annemarie Russell,
Enniskillen,
Co. Fermanagh.
Equality of gender in the Church
Dear Editor, Seamus Quinlivan, on ‘inclusive language’ (IC Letters 12/10/2017) quoted the Bible for “God created Man, male and female he created them”, and attributes recent gender specific use to inclusive language and individuality.
However, he omits the emergence of a worldwide movement in the Church for equality of the genders in the past half century. This phenomenon has brought a new and burgeoning emphasis on both man and woman in the Church situation being treated equally sacramentally and in other areas.
Hence ‘Mankind’ would perhaps offer more clarity?
Yours etc.,
Patrick Morgan,
Wexford
Priests must speak from pulpit on abortion issue
Dear Editor, Shortly before his assassination Blessed Oscar Romero gave a radio broadcast exhorting soldiers in El Salvador to disobey orders to fire on innocent civilians. Centuries before Dominican Friars in Hispaniola declared to Spanish colonists that they would refuse to hear their Confessions if they persisted in keeping slaves. Their sermons caused consternation but eventually led to reform. There is admiration for the priest who preaches the Gospel in season and out.
In Ireland we face a unique challenge in defending the unborn. Charged with the truth which sees abortion as a grave moral wrong, encouraged by the teaching of Pope Francis who in Amoris Laetitia has stated “no alleged right to one’s own body can justify a decision to terminate that life, which is an end in itself and which can never be seen as the ‘property’ of another human being”, we cannot stay silent. In the needed outcry the voice of the laity alone is not sufficient. The difference between a parish where the pastor speaks out strongly on the sacredness of unborn life and the parish where silence reigns from the pulpit will be material to the vote.
Preaching the Gospel of Life in Ireland is as much a privilege as a necessity and something for which faithful Catholics will be truly grateful to their priests.
Yours etc.,
Maurice O’Brien,
Blackrock Road,
Cork.
The durability of rumours
Dear Editor, Mary Kenny raises an interesting aspect on the durability of rumours, for despite the evidence to prove otherwise, she mentions the so-called burning by a priest of one of Edna O’Brien’s early novels.
Dev’s “comely maidens dancing at the crossroads” occurs ad nauseum, a phrase attributed in his vision of an ideal Ireland in his 1943 broadcast when his actual words were, “the laughter of happy maidens”. The recording of his speech is still extant. Another perennial misquote, “let them eat cake”, are words Marie Antoinette would never utter.
After all these years another myth has been exposed for me thanks to the pages of your paper. Martin Luther never nailed his theses to the of the Church in Wittenburg, yet still in your paper, I see an ad for a new study of his work showing on the dust-cover the said Martin with a hammer in his hand obviously nailing his theses to the door.
Perhaps one of the greatest myths, or rather travesties is the depiction, still accepted despite no evidence to the contrary, of St Mary Magdalene as a reformed woman of ill-repute, whereas in fact she is a woman of high repute. Was it that the early fathers of biblical commentary found it so difficult to accept that the Risen Lord first appeared to a mere woman?
Edna need not worry about being misrepresented – she is in good company! Yours etc.,
Patrick Fleming,
Glasnevin,
Dublin 9.
Single people also contribute to Church life
Dear Editor, I am writing in response to your editorial on September 28, which I read with a sense of incredulity.
I am a single female, who since my teenage years has been a fully committed and involved member of the Catholic Church in many various roles. I was claimed for Christ, when I was brought for my Baptism. I was anointed to share in the work of Christ. My Christian dignity, my vocation, is to follow Christ and witness to him, every day, through my baptism. St Augustine tells us that Baptism is the fundamental calling. Even our Holy Father, Pope Francis has to live out his Baptism, before he lives out his special calling to service of the Catholic family as an ordained priest. There are many single people contributing in very significant ways to the life of our Church. They do not seek or expect recognition in any special way for what they do. They are often the dedicated “unseen” workers in the field.
It is very unfortunate and hurtful that you choose to suggest that single people “are not part of God’s plan” or by inference that they are “uncommitted” to participating fully in the Church. In spite of a history of male chauvinism in the Church throughout the centuries many, many single women have remained loyal and have given themselves wholeheartedly in all kinds of service, witnessing to Christ and his Gospel message.
Yours etc.,
Maureen Flanagan,
Belfast,
Co. Antrim.
We are called to holiness by our Baptism
Dear Editor, I found your view on the ‘single life’ to be very disparaging (IC 28/09/2017). To say that single people are “uncommitted in any life -encompassing way” appears to imply that their lives have little meaning and are of less value. Your comments seem to belittle the lives of people who choose not to marry or happen to find themselves single for a variety of reasons. Every life is unique, and equally valuable, and precious in the eyes of God.
Yes God created us social beings who find fulfillment by being in communion with others but not everyone has to enter the priesthood, the religious life or marry to lead a fulfilled life. In fact single people often have more time to commit their lives to works of charity. Whether we live a consecrated life, are married or single we are all, by virtue of our baptism, called to a life of holiness; this is our ‘primary’ vocation.
Yours etc.,
Christina Coakley,
Ballyhaunis,
Co. Mayo.