Madam, – I refer to the piece by David Rice (“Heroic priests deserve not to be left alone at the altar”, Opinion August 3lst). I was deeply moved by this piece and felt impelled to respond. As a retired priest and bishop of another Communion (Anglican) I was loathe to comment on the current situation within the Roman Catholic Church as it might be interpreted at best as meddling in the affairs of another church and at worst to be seen as patronising in tone.
However, David Rice’s piece has challenged me to respond despite the possibility of negative interpretation.
I would like to endorse everything that Mr Rice has written in his appeal for support to those priests who continue to minister in the most challenging circumstances. Some years ago I was walking to the Mater Private Hospital to visit a good friend, Archbishop Joe Cassidy. On the way, I passed a group of teenagers who shouted, “Abused any children lately, Father?”
On reaching the hospital I sat down for a few minutes to compose myself before my visit. I thought of all the fine priests who had to suffer such insults and worse almost every day and wondered if I could have endured it. It is shameful that they should be tarred with the same brush as those who committed such horrendous crimes. I would add my voice to the plea that they “not be left alone at the altar”. They deserve the support and respect of every Christian regardless of denomination.
Finally I notice that David Rice writes from Killaloe where Bishop William Walshe has recently retired. He has been an inspiration not only to me, but to many others and I hope that he will enjoy retirement as much as I am. No endless committees any more, bishop – heaven! – Yours, etc,