Dear Editor, Mr Terence Gallagher’s letter (IC 16/10/2014) is based on a complete misunderstanding of the basic premise of my column (Notebook, 18/09/2014) which had nothing at all to do with promoting a Mel Gibson movie, as he implies. My central point is that many Catholics, even those who regularly attend Church, are now uncertain…

Dear Editor, The Ebola virus in West Africa continues to spread. Various agencies such as the WHO and NGOs are fighting to get the virus under control and relieve the sufferings of the affected populations. In the meantime I suggest that, in praying for the alleviation of this dreadful plague, we invoke the intercession of…

Dear Editor, Referring to the 750 humanist marriage ceremonies held this year, columnist Mary Kenny reacts favourably to them as being good in so far as they got married at all (IC 09/10/14). She endorses the commitment given in this marriage ceremony, rather than drifting into vague co-habitation which is worse for children and is…

Dear Editor, Christmas seems to be assaulting the senses even earlier each year as the media begins promoting the season as soon as the summer months wane. Shops begin stocking festive wares and decorations slowly begin to appear in public places a little bit more prematurely every year. “It’s far too early,” many will say,…

Dear Editor, The Irish Catholic Bishops’  Conference no longer seems to care about the Irish language and catering for Irish speakers and those trying to cater for the Irish language community in parishes throughout the country. It is very difficult to find leaflets in the Irish language with the Sacraments of Baptism or Penance. It…

Dear Editor, The continuing speculation that divorced and remarried Catholics might be allowed receive Holy Communion is pointless and tiresome. The Church cannot ‘unsin’ adultery. Yours etc, Patrick Cooney, Athlone, Co. Westmeath.

Dear Editor, Michael Higgins’ ‘Letter from America’ (IC 25/09/2014) on reform of seminaries seems to me to strike a sour note. He is, of course, entitled to his opinion, but is it really fair to complain about seminarians because they are young, enthusiastic and pious? Personal holiness is surely a basic of seminarian formation. And…

Dear Editor, That was surely a sad reflection on the standard of journalism for The Irish Catholic to regurgitate the day dreams of Andrew O’Connell in the September 18 issue (IC Notebook). It is beyond belief that his conclusion about the state of Catholicism in Ireland should base itself on such a premise as a…

Dear Editor, Pro-life business people, individuals or companies should now boycott pro-abortion Irish media by withdrawing advertising from print or broadcast media, whose writers or editors drive the pro-abortion agenda. The products of manufacturers or companies who support pro-abortion media should also be boycotted and told why. The tragic Savita case illustrated how the pro-abortion…

Dear Editor, Please allow me to make the following reply with reference to Fr David Barrins’ comments in his recent interview with The Irish Catholic (02/10/2014) concerning what he terms as the “intolerant” posture of UCC and third level institutions in dealing with a lack of “plurality of opinions properly represented on campus”. Third level…