Sir, An ambiguity keeps coming up in the correspondence on Carl ow Cathedral, in the reference to the feelings of the parishioners. The term "cathedral" (Greek: seat or throne) applies to the episcopal church of the diocese. To quote the Oxford Dictionary, a cathedral is the principal church of diocese with bishop's throne, and as such is a diocesan responsibility.
The ambiguity arises from the dual use of the building as a cathedral and as a parish church. In considering the question of Carlow Cathedral, did the diocesan authorities of Kildare and Leighlin consider the possibility of having a different parish church for Carlow town, or the possibility of transferring the seat of the bishop to a different location within the diocese? Is there here an opportunity for approaching the Church of Ireland regarding a joint shared ministry from the ancient Cathedral of St Brigid in Kildare town? - Yours, etc.,
Caherdavin,
Limerick.