Sir, - Father John Byrne, administrator of Carlow Cathedral, states that those trying to prevent him from removing the beautiful Sicilian marble high altar and altar rails, etc. are "attempting to fossilise the manner and fashion in which the congregation worshipped in the cathedral at a time and in a century which had moved on" (November 15th).
Now it is most likely that Father Byrne and the trustees of the Diocese of Kildare and Leighlin have visited Rome at some time. Practically on every street in the Holy City there are beautiful old churches with marble altars, altar rails and magnificent interiors still intact and lovingly maintained. Visitors of all ages flock into these churches, not only for spiritual comfort but also to admire the beauty of what their fellowman has made from marble, wood and stone.
Such is the obvious pride of Romans in their artistic church heritage that no one, including a Padre Giovanni, would dare to "move on" and modernise these beautiful old churches. In this particular instance, Father John Byrne, please accept Roman infallibility unquestioningly and do as the Romans would do with the magnificent interior of Carlow Cathedral: leave it alone. - Yours, etc.,
Main Street, Ennistymon, Co Clare.