Rivalry and vainglory are two worms that weaken the Church; instead we must act in a spirit of humility and harmony, without seeking our own interests Pope Francis has warned. The Pope noted that a bishop’s joy should lie in seeing love, unity and harmony in his Church. “This harmony is a grace, which the…
Courtney McGrail
Pope to open Vatican conference on traditional marriage
A month after closing a Synod of Bishops on the family stirred by controversy over divorce, same-sex unions and other non-marital relationships, Pope Francis will open an interreligious conference dedicated to traditional marriage. The Vatican-sponsored gathering, on the ‘Complementarity of Man and Woman,’ will take place November 17-19 and feature more than 30 speakers representing…
Hope not blown away
Who are the Vatican II ‘slow learners’?
Dear Editor, Peter Boucher engages in a bout of labelling a hypothesised group of Catholics as “conservative” in his letter (IC 23/10/14). Indeed he pastorally alerts whoever they might be to the possibility of their becoming “stiff necked”. As I am interested in ministering to such a group, perhaps he would outline their typical characteristics…
Rome has done a lot for us Catholics
Dear Editor, “In Monty Python fashion, what has Rome ever done for us ?” asks Sarah Carey (IC 23/10/14). Does she know that she is quoting a blasphemous film? The Life of Brian depicted a trivialisation and mockery of the ministry and crucifixion of Jesus. Rome has done a lot for us Catholics, such as…
Bible stories should be read to young children
Dear Editor, It is certainly uplifting to hear a new campaign in Britain is urging the parents of up to one million young children to read stories from the Bible to their children. What beautiful pictures and stories with which to engrain their impressionable young minds, rather than the dark brainwashing tactics adopted in communist…
Time to know Church rules
Dear Editor, In reply to Sarah Carey’s article ‘Is the Vatican a million miles away from parish life?’ (IC 23/10/14), God and the Church is very merciful, but also just. Everyone has, is and will be welcomed at Mass. However, if any soul is in a state of mortal sin, then that person cannot receive Holy Communion…
Christina Gallagher is right
Dear Editor, I am writing to you about Cathal Barry’s article on Christina Gallagher and the House of Prayer in Achill (IC 30/10/14). You quoted Mick Power, who became involved with the House of Prayer in 1998, describing Ms Gallagher’s alleged divine messages as “appalling” and all about chastisement and the end of the world,…
The bishops need God to enlighten them
Dear Editor, Archbishop Diarmuid Martin’s recent call for the Church to listen to married couples who have failed is a little puzzling. He mentions the high standards expected of them, but God never gave any person a standard without the grace to achieve it. He fails to mention why he has not spoken out on…
Dangers of mixed message on suicide
Dear Editor, David Quinn (IC 23/10/14 ‘Gay Byrne gets it badly wrong on the subject of euthanasia’) argues that there is a danger of sending a mixed message to society about suicide. As a mental health professional I could not agree more. While we do not have a high rate of suicide in general, we…