Sir, - I was somewhat dismayed at Gary Byrnes's suggestion (January 29th) that perhaps the Angelus call to prayer could be replaced by some other form of prayer of a more non-denominational character. Acknowledging Mary as the mother of Jesus is not offensive to Protestants and in these ecumenical days we are encouraged to stress things that unite us rather than those which divide us.
In the Angelus we acknowledge the mystery of the Incarnation which is central to the Christan faith, and in this age of secularisation it is important that people be reminded that our world has been consecrated to God through Jesus Christ the Saviour. Indeed I have heard visitors to this country commend this practice of a public call to prayer and if some do not exactly say the Angelus as such, they are free to substitute their own form of prayer. - Yours, etc.,
Placid C. Nolan, OP,
Holy Cross Priory, Tralee, Co Kerry.