Sir, – I do feel sorry for Louis Owens (June 29th). I wonder did he only read about the treatment felt by victims of abuse. The congress was an invitation to all, committed and disaffected alike. The congress exuded nothing but welcome, goodwill and communion with the body of Christ. How did he think it would be paid for? Did he ever attend any voluntary association that didn’t ask for a donation? Where tickets are necessary for crowd control a modest charge is an obvious practical solution. I’m sure anyone who wanted to go and did not have the €10 would easily have it donated. In fact, parishes provided plenty of free tickets.
In spite of mistakes made, there is much being done to repair past hurts. Healing requires acceptance of a handshake when offered. There is also the mystery of faith. Those that don’t have faith should not denigrate those who do. – Yours, etc,
Sir, – “Get rid of the scarlet and purple, throw out the silks, the gold and the lace trimmings. Present themselves in simplicity and allow the teachings of Jesus to shine” (Bridget Spain, June 20th).
Amen to that. Ms Spain expresses my sentiments exactly.
Granting all that has happened, humility alone would dictate that bishops and cardinals would ditch the antiquated clothing and colours. The colour red – at least in one explanation – is supposed to represent the fact cardinals are prepared to die for the Catholic faith. Is that what people really think of today when they see cardinals in all their unseemly finery? Fearless champions of Christ’s teaching – His love of the poor, justice and truth – or effete, privileged, out-of-touch guys who played it safe all their lives, never taking risks for truth and justice? Guys who sacrificed everything for the Gospel or guys who got where they are by being “yes-men”? And here is the fundamental question for the church in crisis: in a critical emergency can you count on “yes-men” to become overnight fearless, visionary prophets? – Yours, etc,