Preserving churches as places of silence

Dear Editor, One has to agree with Andrew O’Connell in his Notebook article (IC 06/08/2015) ‘Preserve churches as places of silence’. In many churches, groups in the congregation may be heard having a loud discussion before Mass, oblivious that they may be distracting others, as well as lack of respect for the Blessed Sacrament.

There are many references to silence in Holy Scripture one of them being “Even a fool, when he keeps silent, is considered wise; when he closes his lips, he is considered prudent”.

Harsh words, perhaps, for well-intentioned Mass goers, but…

Yours etc.,

Patrick O’Keeffe.

Dundrum,

Dublin 16.