Dear Editor, Hard working Irish families pay huge taxes many of them used to pay for the problems caused by our government, a lot of them to pay for benefits for people claiming to be refugees and asylum seekers, but not all are genuine. When they are refused this status there is a long legal…
Dear Editor, I wish to voice my total and absolute support for Archbishop Diarmuid Martin with regards to Maynooth. He is perfectly right to remove his seminarians even if there are only three. He cannot and should not take any risk that could affect the formation of these three men to the priesthood. These allegations…
Dear Editor, The Maynooth controversy was a missed opportunity for Catholic catechesis. Secular media interest in things Catholic lends itself to skilful use to spread the Word, not endanger it. The said media approached their usual ‘go-to’ people, including a small band of similarly minded priests who conjure up a ‘wise in their eyes’ Church,…
Dear Editor, About six weeks ago I was happy to sign a petition for kneelers in the Basilica in Knock in the belief that kneeling was a fundamental part of Catholic devotion and worship. However, after visiting Knock Shrine during this summer I have softened this view. The basilica, in my opinion, now bears little…
Dear Editor, Religious irregularities are always an appetizing discussion topic for the media. The recent claims about our national seminary in Maynooth are no different. Pope Francis, with his bishops and priests, are in general, hard-working, diligent people of honesty and integrity. Human nature being what it is, the Church similar to most institutions will…
Dear Editor, I would like to thank Fr Rolheiser for his article about Hell (‘Our fear of Hell is a creation all of our own’ IC 04/08/2016). The reason for my thanks is that the subject of Hell is rarely written or spoken about. This is surprising given that in the Gospels, Jesus warns us…
Dear Editor, In The Irish Catholic of July 28 you published an excellent two-page article on the 800th Anniversary of Ballintubber Abbey; but it was a pity that there was no mention of Fr Tom Egan who spearheaded the transformation of what was largely a ruin, leading up to the 750th anniversary in 1966. As…
Dear Sir, Donal O’Driscoll’s letter in The Irish Catholic (‘Clarify meaning of Eighth Amendment’, IC 28/07/2011) should be read, and acted upon, by all pro-life groups, and indeed by all who wish to protect the life of the unborn. He has identified a very important issue. There is no doubt that we will soon be faced with…
Dear Editor, I noted with great interest the biography of Daniel Mannix reported on in The Irish Catholic of August 11 (‘Archbishop Mannix biography scoops literary prize’). I will certainly be seeking out my own copy of this record of a most fascinating figure. Given, however, that the biography has been penned by a native…
Dear Editor, I read with dismay and deep sadness of the changes afoot within the Dublin diocese for future Catholic seminarians to receive their formation in Rome instead of the national seminary in Maynooth. While one should not doubt Archbishop Martin’s better appreciation of such matters, it is most regrettable that the Catholic hierarchy could not address issues internally.…
Courtney McGrail