Sir, – Fr Brendan Hoban claimed at the Association of Catholic Priests' annual conference that the diocesan priest is "often pitied, patronised, reviled, insulted, disrespected, ignored and resented" ("Morale of priests at all-time low, conference hears", November 17th).
While at times some priests may experience this feeling, as a practising Catholic I can confirm that most priests that I know are respected, appreciated and loved.
The future Catholic Church will no doubt be different – smaller, more humble, and with fewer priests. But if Archbishop of Dublin Diarmuid Martin’s vision is to be realised, it may also be a more vibrant church led by parish teams of priest, lay ministers, permanent deacons and committed lay parishioners. – Yours, etc,
FRANK BROWNE,
Templeogue,
Dublin 16.