Madam, – It might be better if Fr Seán McDonagh would cease his angry outbursts against Patsy McGarry (March 16th and earlier). Although recent scandals have touched them marginally, the Columbans are generally held in high esteem for their missionary and social work throughout the world. In the past and to date they would attract donations from those who would be horrified at the idea of contributing to the lifestyle of many parish clergy. However if Fr McDonagh continues to pour forth his vitriolic right-wing ideas, and his defence of the indefensible, this will almost certainly change the image of the Columbans resulting in the alienation of many more of those Catholics who might otherwise remain in the churches following the present debacle. – Yours, etc,
Madam, – I find it rather sad to read how Fr Seán McDonagh is now joining those clerics who are slowly but surely trying to undermine the validity of the findings of the Murphy report because as Fr McDonagh puts it “it did not ‘pay sufficient attention to the historical, sociological and cultural contexts of the time”. However, the official magisterium of the Catholic Church is forever reminding us that an objective natural law exists and that any moral relativism is anathema in this context. Thus the torture and violation of children is and always was considered a serious crime and no context can ever make it justifiable to any degree no matter what age or context in which it occurred.
Actually, Religious Affairs Correspondent Patsy McGarry is a journalist who is reflecting the views of the vast majority of Irish people who continue to be outraged, especially by clerics like Fr McDonagh who try to excuse the “Sins of the Fathers” and lessen their guilt. – Yours, etc,
Madam, – No, Fr Seán McDonagh is not the only person who found Patsy McGarry’s article “Long past time for bishops to ‘get it’ if the faithful are to continue travelling with them” intemperate and biased. Mr McGarry does not even seem to grasp that Christ founded his church and said that the gates of hell would not prevail against it. He was often accused of associating with outcasts and sinners, but seemingly it is now required that his church be one of saints only.
We are in a time when judgmentalism is rightly condemned and woe betide anyone who tries to promote rigid moral values – abortion being always wrong – but it is acceptable to condemn human failures and call for the resignation of anyone who does not live up to the highest standards. “Let him who is without sin cast the first stone” comes to mind, as does the Roman colosseum where the Christians were thrown to the lions. Now transgressors against perceived perfection are thrown to the media, and what a mauling they are getting.
Cardinal Brady did not fail to act and it is reprehensible that the impression given now is that he did not act as he should at the time. – Yours, etc,