Sir, - It was with great disappointment that I read Patsy McGarry's recent article speculating that the Vatican had vetoed Bishop Casey's prospects of retiring in Ireland. If this is in fact the Vatican's position, then it really is very cruel.
Some months ago, RTE screened the Radharc series of programmes first shown in the 1960s. One of these dealt with the work of the then Fr Casey with homeless Irish people in Britain. The difference which his work made in the lives of so many families was extraordinary.
During the 1980s I had the privilege of working with Bishop Casey on the board of Trocaire. I can testify to the wonderful leadership he gave to that organisation in its work for the poor of the Third World. In particular, I recall his courageous stand against social injustice and human rights abuses, often when this stand was less than popular.
Bishop Casey's good works far outweigh any wrong he may have done. To most people, his was a very human error. I always understood that forgiveness was the core of the Catholic faith. - Yours, etc.,
David Begg, Oldtown, Co Dublin.