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, 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, Some weeks ago in an item entitled ‘Back to the future?’ (IC 14/07/2016) you touched on the subject of a growing desire on the part of some Catholics for a return to the Tridentine Mass. It seems to me that this ‘restorationist’ movement in the Church is based primarily on the belief that…
Dear Editor, Professor Patricia Casey often speaks wisely on many subjects. However, I have to challenge her on her views regarding the ghettoisation of ethnic minorities (IC 27/7/2016) with special mention of the Polish Community in St Audoen’s church. When I first came to Ireland in 1963 there were about 50 Polish people in the…
Dear Editor, I thoroughly agree with the sentiments expressed by Donal O’Driscoll in his letter ‘Clarify meaning of Eighth Amendment’ (IC 28/07/2016). I have listened to many of the abortion debates, and have felt totally frustrated by the ‘niceness’ and ‘politeness’ of the pro-life people. This is used and seized upon with great effect by…
Dear Editor, Prof. Patricia Casey (IC 28/7/16) makes an important point about ghettoisation. Immigrant chaplaincies were set up after the publication of the Apostolic Constitution of Pope Pius XII in 1952. Their purpose was and still is to enable immigrants to integrate into the political, social, economic and cultural networks of life in their new…