BRENDAN HERLIHY,
Sir, - Congratulations to Miriam Donohoe on her column of September 13th, in which she states that "the Mass has become a major turn-off for the majority of Ireland's young Catholics". As a frequent Mass-goer I am saddened at the performance of the clergy on the altar. They get 30 minutes once a week, in front of a captive audience, to impart a sense of the presence of the Almighty in people's lives, and from a pure performance aspect they let us down dismally.
Why did up to 1, 000 people queue for up to an hour before 5 a.m. every morning, in all kinds of weather, to get into St Padre Pio's Mass? It was because of the conviction that he displayed in the celebration of the ritual. Most of our priests, if they were auditioned for a half-hour "play" of the Mass, would not be chosen for the part.
They stand in front of an audience who want to see belief, sincerity and love emanating from the alter. What do they get? The quick "flip" at the consecration, the lack of enthusiasm in getting the congregation to sing, the often obscure sermon, and no leadership.
Does the Church not re-assess priests in their role on the altar? If they did, then it might lead to some increase in attendances. - Yours, etc.,
BRENDAN HERLIHY,
Anglesea Road,
Dublin 4.