Sir, – Fr Seán Sheehy, a retired priest who made insensitive comments during his recent homily in St Mary’s Church in Listowel, has not only hurt same-sex couples, those who see themselves as transgender people and women who underwent abortions, but he has offended all of us who minister within the Catholic Church, who believe in the radical Gospel message of love and acceptance of all.
Perhaps Fr Sheehy should refresh his memory of John’s Gospel, Chapter 8:7: “Let anyone among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone.”
– Yours, etc,
FRANK BROWNE,
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Rev Deacon,
Ballyroan parish, Dublin 14.
Sir, – I would point out that the homily given by Fr Seán Sheehy in Listowel on Sunday was 100 per cent in accord with the catechism of the Catholic Church. It’s easy to misunderstand this, since for some incomprehensible reason, church authorities have in recent decades actually stopped preaching Catholicism, and many people, even supposedly cradle Catholics, think Catholicism is some kind of theological blancmange which validates whatever it is you subscribe to this week.
You don’t have to believe a word of it yourself, of course, but attacking a Catholic priest for preaching Catholicism from the altar of a Catholic Church is like criticising the sea for being damp. – Yours, etc,
DAVID SMITH,
Swords, Co Dublin.
Sir, – It is intriguing to see how much coverage Fr Sheehy’s views have received.
According to one paper, he has been interviewed on RTÉ Radio’s News at One and Liveline, as well as Kerry Today on Radio Kerry. His views have also been widely reported in the papers and online.
If a dozen other priests had preached on the need for more love between people of all shades of opinion on matters sexual, would they have received any coverage? Probably not.
Perhaps it’s because Fr Sheehy appears to be far more confident about who will end up in hell than his colleagues. “Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt (Colossians 4:6).” – Yours, etc,
JOHN BURNS
Blackrock, Co Dublin.
A chara, – Could someone please explain to me what was wrong with Fr Seán’s message.
As a Catholic priest (born in Ireland, and working in the US for the last 25 years) I see the fault not in what Fr Seán said, but in the response of his Bishop. That is where the fault lies.
We don’t bow to pressure from society – we give it direction and meaning.
Bishop Browne’s response was nothing short of weak, pathetic, and fearful. But then, I shouldn’t be surprised. Perhaps the Presbyterians had it right after all – they voted out bishops. I’m inclined to think we should too.
Fr DANIEL HORGAN,
Saint Lucy Catholic Church,
Highland Beach,
Florida.