A chara, – Fr Patrick McCafferty is judged by Mrs Mary Stewart (February 10th) to lack compassion and forgiveness in his remarks about Bishop Magee of Cloyne’s refusal to resign (February 6th). Not “Christ-like”, she says. She laments the lack of compassion and forgiveness in “our society” and is “most disappointed at Fr McCafferty’s lack of both”. If that is not being judgmental I do not know what is. I would suggest that what our society lacks most are honesty and courage.
There is plenty of talk about compassion and forgiveness but that does not stop children being put in danger and being abused. I am sure Fr McCafferty would be the first to admit his human frailty, but he is not lacking in honesty and courage. It seems to me that these are the “Christ-like” qualities that are needed most in Ireland today if we are to deal effectively with the abuse of children and the abuse of power – inside and outside the Church. – Yours, etc,
Fr JOE McVEIGH,
Garrison, Co Fermanagh.
Madam, – I support Vincent Mac Carthy’s call (February 10th) for Bishop Magee to be “dismissed ignominiously”. At the very least it is inconceivable that he should continue to act as patron of the Catholic schools in the diocese of Cloyne. – Yours, etc,
GREG SCANLON,
Shannon, Co Clare.