Madam, - I am saddened by the lack of knowledge of church teaching displayed in so many of the letters published by you on the Drogheda Mass. Transubstantiation was one of the teachings that caused Protestants to split in the first place, and their different views on this fundamental issue still divide them from the Catholic Church. It is a pity that so many of your contributors do not appear to be fully sensitive to this reality.
The three Augustinian priests are to be congratulated for being big enough to "apologise unreservedly for the ill-considered celebration", and for giving "an absolute commitment as to [ their] future conduct. . ."
I hope this apology will end the controversy and that we will not see anymore such well-meaning but misplaced ecumenical gestures. There is more than enough scope for legitimate ecumenical gestures, which take place regularly in Ireland and are warmly welcomed by all people of good will. - Yours, etc,
DICK HUMPHREYS, Mount Merrion, Co Dublin.