Dear Editor, Thank you to Jason Osborne on his timely front-page article ‘Catholic parents voice anger at exclusion from school talks’ [IC 18/02/2021]. In a recent written answer to Sean Canney TD, Education Minister Norma Foley revealed that her civil servants are working with the National Parents Council Post Primary to amalgamate it with the…
Dear Editor, Whenever the media do a story that involves the Church it very often elicits very vindictive comments from readers. Recent examples included ‘that vile institution,’ ‘this evil cult’. I spent my youth in five different schools taught by nuns, priests and Christian Brothers. Some were strict and dished out corporal punishment which I…
Dear Editor, Bishop Tom Deenihan is to be commended for his fine words on the need to get back to public Mass as soon as possible [IC 11/02/2021]. We have been without the nourishment of the Eucharist for so long and it is disappointing that whenever politicians speak of “opening up society” they so rarely…
Dear Editor, In recent times there has been an increase of interest in the ministry of exorcism in the Church. Jason Osborne’s article, ‘Evil One exploiting Covid-19 to bring about fear says famed Dublin exorcist’ [IC 28/01/2021], quoting veteran exorcist Fr Pat Collins, prompts this letter. Is this a clear demonstration of “demonic obsession” where the demon,…
Dear Editor, I am writing to respond to Jason Osborne’s article, Church leadership has to change to be seen [IC 14/01/2021]. He did provide helpful suggestions from people who have studied this crisis of faith we are facing e.g., Prof. Tom Inglis and Fr Eugene Duffy. Fr Duffy was right to emphasise the importance of…
Dear Editor, Victims of the mother and baby homes deserve every apology and compensation. Most of these ladies were young and innocent, many of them were sexual victims of employers and others known to them. Their treatment was cruel and inhumane. We need to place the blame where it belongs. Firstly, they were abandoned by…
Dear Editor, The Irish Catholic [IC 07/01/2020] carried criticism, by David Quinn and others, of the Irish Government and of our bishops for the suspension of public Masses. The point made was that Ireland was amongst few European countries in taking this step. In light of decisions taken in Northern Ireland and Britain since then,…
Dear Editor, I am a very regular RTÉ viewer and a supporter for years. I have enjoyed many beautiful programmes over the Christmas season – and even watched repeats, with great pleasure! However, I must object in the strongest possible way, to the sick joke re ‘God’s rape’ of an individual on NYE. I had…
Dear Editor, It was with great delight that I received the announcement that Bishop Dermot Farrell was to become the new archbishop of Dublin diocese. Having been the President of St Patrick’s College in Maynooth and doing wonders in the Diocese of Ossory, I’m sure he has the experience, pastoral capability, courage, wisdom and gravitas…
Dear Editor, I was pleased to see that you will – please God – again start bringing pilgrims to the Holy Land in 2021. My husband and I were part of the trip three years ago and it had a very moving impact on our Faith and helped us appreciate the scriptures in a new…