Sir, - As the recognition given by the Pope to Edmond Ignatius Rice seems to have provoked the predictable renewed adverse criticism of the Irish Christian Brothers, can you please give a small amount of space to an opposing viewpoint? I was educated by the Brothers at minimal cost to my parents, and at what I believe to have been a great personal sacrifice to each member of the community.
During five years of excellent tuition by dedicated teachers, some lay and many in religious life, I was never subjected to brutality or abuse, nor did I witness it happening to others. I do not doubt the veracity or the integrity of those who say that there were lapses from the example set by the founder, but this cannot and should not be used to malign the many who upheld his ideals.
Yours, etc.,
Glendown Crescent,
Templeogue,
Dublin 6W.