Dear Editor, Since the inception of Pope Francis’ pontificate, there has been a well-intentioned attempt to restore the attractiveness of the Gospel for those to whom it has lost its sheen. However, this has played out as the soft-pedalling of the gravity of moral doctrine on human sexuality in a post-Vatican II spirit of Jesuitical…

Dear Editor, While the issue of the non-ordination of women to the priesthood is final, is it possible that their acceptance to the diaconate will eventually be accepted by the Magisterium of the Church? I venture to say that their acceptance would be welcomed by clergy and laity alike, although I acknowledge there would be…

Dear Editor, There is lots of talking about the lack of vocations to the priesthood and religious life but no word at all about the lack of religious instruction in our national schools since Vatican II. It is nonsense to expect young men and young women to give their lives to Jesus Christ when they…

Dear Editor, David Quinn’s article “Time for Church leaders to help students who have been silenced in our colleges” (IC 09/10/14), highlights the apparent intolerance for pro-life or Catholic views in our universities among student unions and the student body, and calls for Church leaders to support Christian students. To be openly Christian in universities…

Adults can lead by example at Mass   Dear Editor, For thousands of people who were never taught good catechesis, the Catholic Church is assessed by how they see its members (including priests) behaving in the ordinary living of life. The Church is also judged by the quality of honour, adoration and meaningfulness associated with…

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…