Paul KeenanDear Editor, The missed element in Andrew O’Connell’s Notebook ‘Revisiting the legacy of the papal visit’ (IC 15/5/14) is the question as to whether a visit to Ireland by Pope Francis could lead to the same effect on people here as that most memorable 1979 visit undertaken by now St John Paul II. Quite rightly…
Category: Letters
Taoiseach should clarify comments
Dear Editor, Recent events in the North of our country have reminded us of the ongoing need for clarification and reconciliation in all areas of social life. In that context it is not perhaps inappropriate to recall the infamous speech to the Dáil of Mr Enda Kenny in July 2011 on foot of the Cloyne…
The impact of the two new saints
Dear Editor, There are two interesting points raised by Syl Doyne’s letter ‘Canonisations raise questions’ (IC 8/5/14). Firstly, it was Saint John Paul II himself who ordered the investigation into the case against Fr Marcial Maciel which was not concluded until after his death during the papacy of Pope Benedict XVI who then responded to…
The existence and nature of Hell
Dear Editor, With reference to David Quinn’s ‘Is Hell really real?’ (IC 8/5/14), Catholic theology has always maintained that after death there are two locations ultimately where the souls of the dead continue to exist, namely Heaven and Hell. Hell has never been defined and the mode of existence there is unknown to us. Let…
Confusion during Mass
Dear Editor, People who go irregularly to Church don’t know whether to sit, kneel or stand at a funeral Mass. Those who attend Church regularly, sitting behind and to their side, copy them. It is lacking in respect for the celebrant and regrettable that he is compelled to go to the microphone and request…
Religion and the Irish Defence Forces
Dear Editor, I note with interest – and outrage – that the then Minister for Justice, Alan Shatter, last year changed, without notice to other interested parties, the format of the annual commemoration of the 1916 Rising as reported, ‘1916 families appeal for Mass ban to be lifted’ (IC 1/5/14). I understand that the reason…
The sale of Jackie Kennedy’s letters
Dear Editor, Am I the only one unsettled by the proposal to sell personal letters penned to Irish priest Fr Joseph Leonard by the late Jacqueline Kennedy? (IC 15/5/14) As detailed in your own article, Mrs Kennedy died without leaving any record of her life as US First Lady, demonstrating clearly how she valued what…
The end does not justify the means
Dear Editor, Mary Kenny suggests that “the world-wide success…of In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) makes this method of assisted conception awkward to criticise” (IC 8/5/14). How does the untold holocaust of human embryonic life sacrificed on the altar of this unethical interference with nature qualify IVF as a 'success'? Does the end now justify the means?…
Relations between Ireland and the Vatican
Dear Editor, I wish to comment on Enda Kenny’s recent visit to the Vatican for the canonisation of Popes John XXIII and John Paul II. Mr Kenny stated that relations between the Catholic Church and the Irish State are now at a much better level than previously. It’s hard to believe this when you realise…
Voting for the right candidate
Dear Editor, In the short time left to polling day, I would like to urge as many of your concerned readers as possible to courteously engage with candidates or their canvassers on their attitude to the abortion legislation of last year as well as the Governments proposals on the matter of gay ‘marriage’. In regard…