Dear Editor, I write to suggest that the Vatican “row” over the synod mid-term family report described on the front page of The Irish Catholic (16/10/2014) is not a surprise and, indeed, may be a sign of new life in our Church. Pope Francis has encouraged the bishops to speak freely without fear of censure.…

Dear Editor, Well done to David Quinn for highlighting the discrimination faced by student pro-life groups in Irish universities in his article, ‘Time for Church leaders to help students who have been silenced in our colleges’ (IC 09/10/2014). I agree with Mr Quinn that it is time to rally round these student groups and support…

Dear Editor, It is some time now since I read Andrew O’Connell’s article of 18/09/2014, but I am totally clear that Terence Gallagher (Letters, 16/10/2014) has completely missed Andrew’s point. All that wasted steam over Mel Gibson. He says: “It is beyond belief that his conclusion about the state of Catholicism should base itself upon…

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…