Sir, – To add to the discourse on diocesan boundaries prompted by Rev Dr Eugene Duffy (“Diocesan boundaries set down in 12th century unfit for 21st century”, Rite & Reason, September 26th), we are, like so often in matters of religion, missing context as to how and why those boundaries where created in the first place.
When growing up, my mother once informed me that dioceses were drawn in such a manner as to allow the faithful to sail to Rome without entering other dioceses. I cannot seem to find conformation for this, other than a passing reference in a Patsy McGarry’s article from 2018 (“Does Ireland really need so many Catholic dioceses?”, Social Affairs, April 7th).
However, there seems to be truth to the matter. Other than Ardagh and Clonmacnoise, and Kildare and Leighlin, every diocese touches the sea directly. For Kildare and Leighlin, a trip south on the river Barrow will gain them access to the sea. Ardagh and Clonmacnoise, despite being non-contiguous, can access the sea via Lough Gill.
There was, at least once upon a time, method in their madness! – Yours, etc,
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Dr PAUL LAVIN,
Kilmainham,
Dublin 8.
