Dear Editor, I was heartened by Bishop Kevin Doran’s recent remarks in the article about the changing cultural landscape and its impact on our Faith [The Irish Catholic – April 4, 2024]. His call to focus on the fundamentals of our beliefs and the support offered by the Church is more important than ever as we face into ever more hostile territory.
In a society where faith is increasingly marginalised, Bishop Doran’s reminder of the enduring truth of Christ’s resurrection and the importance of communal support through the Church is timely and inspiring. It encourages us to remain steadfast in our convictions and to find strength in our spiritual community.
As Bishop Doran aptly pointed out, our faith transcends public policy and social media trends; it is rooted in the eternal truth of Christ’s love.
Yours etc.,
Mary Ryan
Bray, Co. Wicklow
Would there be enough to convict you?
Dear Editor, I wish to refer to an article in the March 7 issue of your paper. The article was headed: ‘A Strange march for nuns to take part in’ [The Irish Catholic – March 7, 2024].
As far as I can see the researcher did not complete his/her homework. The march in question was a ‘Solidarity March’. As I read the article, I wasn’t clear as to what David Quinn was actually trying to say. The headline was disturbing. As another religious sister, a Franciscan, whose life has been spent working, praying and, at times, marching for peace, justice and reconciliation I found it hard to reconcile it with what I expect from a Catholic paper. If we don’t stand for justice and peace how can we expect others to do so. Our beloved Pope Francis from the very start of his Pontificate has been calling on us for just this. I was reminded of a poster we had in many of our houses in the past: “If You Were Arrested Today For Being A Christian, Would There Be Enough Evidence To Convict YOU?” The Dominican sisters certainly would in my estimation if they lived in a state where marches for solidarity were forbidden. Thank God we don’t.
Yours etc.,
Sr Anne Mary Hannon
Dublin 7
Human rights intact in the grave
Dear Editor, I read Theo McDonald’s article on Covid and the opposition to vaccines [The Irish Catholic – March 28, 2024].
My simple comment is two-fold:
- The only people I know of who died of Covid were against the vaccine and not vaccinated.
- I look at some of the main proponents of anti-lockdown and herd immunity and I ask myself, do I want to be in the same room as they?Boris Johnston being a prime example.
You can fool some of the people… God protect us from such.
And your correspondent rattles on about human rights, God help my foolish friends whose human rights are intact with them in the grave.
Yours etc.,
Sean Creaney
Blackrock Co. Dublin
Neighbour’s house on fire
Dear Editor, Next year will be the 400th anniversary of the birth of St Oliver Plunkett. Scotland has passed a law against ‘Hate Speech’. I’m reminded of a letter St Oliver wrote in 1674 (our saints still speak to us today): “Here we are in greater fear and trembling than ever, for our neighbour’s house is on fire. In Scotland the Parliament enacted that in future it should be considered high treason to hear Mass. It would seem the days of Nero and Domitian and Diocletian have returned. The penalty for this crime of high treason is to be disembowelled and quartered. So, we shall have the blood of martyrs in abundance to fertilise the Church…
“It is like the time of the early Church; … it is my hope the Church will once again be made glorious and enriched by the sufferings… and martyrdoms of devoted servants, imitators of Christ.”
In Scotland it’s illegal to stir up hatred based on age, disability, religion, sexual orientation or transgender identity. Some say it infringes on free speech and Catholic liberty. We have over 3,000 reports of hate within 48 hours of this law been enacted. A controversial hate speech bill approved by the Irish Government, is making its way through the Seanad.
It is a good thing to make better known the heroic story of St Oliver to love him and to pray to him for the grace to stand up and speak the truth and triumph over all evil that is attacking Ireland.
Glorious martyr St Oliver, may all hatred and bitterness be banished from the hearts of Irish men and women. May the peace of Christ reign in our hearts, as in your heart.
Pray for us and Ireland. Amen.
Yours etc.,
Fintan Tracey
Bettystown, Co. Meath