A DONEGAL priest is blaming “overbearing political correctness” for the removal of a tabernacle in the local hospice chapel.
The Health Service Executive has confirmed a tabernacle which had been placed there has been removed as the chapel is intended as a non-denominational space.
However, Fr James Sweeney has said its removal is “disturbing” and is appealing for the tabernacle to be replaced because of the significance it has to Catholics.
“To Catholics, the presence of the Blessed Sacrament in the tabernacle is very consoling. We must remember that the hospice is a very important place for preparing people for their final journey, in their exit from this life,” Fr Sweeney said.
“Their faith would be very important to them and it’s one of the few things that people have got at the end of their days, praying in front of the Blessed Sacrament in the tabernacle. This removal really concerns me.
“While the hospice caters for many denominations, it’s hard to understand why a prayer room could not have been found or some other small room where the Blessed Sacrament could be reserved so that all traditions could be respected.”
Fr Sweeney said he was one of the first chaplains in the hospice when it opened and there was no issue of the tabernacle being placed there.
“I have worked in other hospitals and hospices in Dublin and elsewhere as a chaplain and differences there were very easily accommodated by having a small prayer room where the tabernacle would be kept and the Blessed Sacrament reserved,” he said.
The hospice committee said they were aware of the situation but did not feel it was appropriate for them to comment.