Dear Editor,
I am writing to commend the courageous work of priests like Fr Ademir Marques OFM Cap., who selflessly minister to individuals experiencing homelessness and poverty, often facing dangerous situations in the process.
The recent incident at the Capuchin Day Centre in Dublin, where Fr Marques was attacked – thankfully not badly injured – while volunteering, highlights the inherent risks involved in serving vulnerable populations. Despite the dangers, Fr Marques and countless other priests continue to dedicate themselves to this noble cause, embodying the spirit of compassion and service.
Their commitment to providing assistance and support to those in need is truly inspiring. Fr Marques’s swift recovery and subsequent determination to return to his ministry demonstrate his unwavering dedication to his calling.
It is essential to recognise the vital role that priests play in our communities, particularly in addressing the complex issues of homelessness and poverty. Their presence offers comfort, hope, and a sense of dignity to individuals who often feel marginalised and forgotten by society.
In the face of adversity, priests like Fr Marques exemplify the values of empathy, solidarity, and resilience. Their actions serve as a reminder of the transformative power of love and kindness in the midst of adversity.
As members of the Catholic community, we owe a debt of gratitude to these courageous individuals who tirelessly serve others, often at great personal risk. Let us continue to offer our prayers and support to Fr Marques, his fellow priests, and all those who work tirelessly to alleviate the suffering of the most vulnerable among us.
Yours etc.,
Deirdre Higgins
Ballybough, Dublin 3
Our design is for complete dependency on God
Dear Editor,
I saw a comic book sketch of a boy kneeling by his bedside saying his evening prayers as his dad walked by the open door of the bedroom. The boy looked up and said, “Hi Dad; just saying my prayers; do you need anything while I’m here?” His dad looked like he’d had a long day.
At first it made me laugh; but as I pondered it I realised something. Our design is for complete dependency on God and Intimacy with Him. We are not meant to figure out life on our own. Prayer is in fact the only way to make life work.
In our day, as the pace of life quickens, the pressure mounts, and demands are placed upon people that our ancestors would never comprehend; perhaps everyone in the modern world could embrace the Navy Seals saying “The only easy day was yesterday”. We are even harassed by our own telephones!
Often at best people try to shoehorn God in on Sunday morning and a quick prayer as they run out of the house. But we need a lot more than that to survive let alone thrive. Jesus spent whole nights in prayer. Even Jesus needed to. To commune with the Father, the only one who truly knew him (and the only one who knows and understands us).
Prayer is the oxygen for the soul, without it we will shrivel up and die. The human heart is the meeting place for God and man, he is already there waiting for us to enter, share our troubles with him so he can immediately get to work on them.
Once we realise the importance of prayer, we will see the difference it makes. Mother Teresa commented once that if she had a lot to accomplish she would pray for an hour first and if she knew she had a great deal to do that day then she would pray for two hours first. That’s how it works, the economics of the Kingdom of God. And in doing so we also receive peace in our hearts; instead of agitation.
Try it and see!
Yours etc.,
Stephen Clark
Manila, Philippines
Best catechism produced in 2,000 years
Dear Editor,
I never quite agree with the regular voices that highlight the shortage of catechetical formation – like The Irish Catholic article ‘Laity ‘crying out’ for good faith formation’ [The Irish Catholic – April 4, 2024].
I don’t know of a more accessible and better faith formation than reading YOUCAT, short for Youth Catechism. It is easily accessible online at Amazon and I believe it to be the best catechism that we’ve ever produced in 2,000 years.
To quote from the back cover: “YOUCAT is an accessible, contemporary expression of the Catholic Faith… [and] includes questions-and-answers, highly readable commentary, summary definitions of key terms, Bible citations and inspiring and thought-provoking quotes from the saints… It explains: What Catholics believe and why (doctrine); How Catholics celebrate the mysteries of the faith (sacraments); How Catholics are to live (moral life); How Catholics should pray (prayer and spirituality).”
For those who can use the internet there are 50 excellent catechetical talks by Ven Archbishop Fulton J Sheen ‘You shall know the Truth’ at www.tiny.cc/AFJSTALKS.
Yours etc.,
Fr Morty O’Shea SOLT
Inver, Co. Donegal.