Sir, – I want to echo the sentiments of the seminarian quoted in "Maynooth seminarian dismisses criticisms as unwarranted" (August 11th). I spent one year in Maynooth seminary, from 2010 to 2011. In that time I never witnessed or heard of anything untoward happening. The formation staff, who are mostly still there, were decent, respectful people.
On joining, we did sign a document consenting to abide by the seminary rule.
As far as I remember, it was concerned with emphasising the responsibility of Maynooth and the seminarian for formation, not any external groups or individuals. It was certainly no gagging order.
The only “subculture” I observed was a penchant for gossip and exaggeration among some students. At times it was an environment where the real world felt distant, and rubrics, devotions, and seminary life assumed a disproportionate importance. It appears this gossip and exaggeration have seeped into the national press.
It must be noted that some students had immense disdain for the seminary council’s approach to formation. Maynooth has produced many a bitter man, lay and ordained. – Yours, etc,
JAMES DOYLE,
Malahide,
Co Dublin.
Sir, – I see that Maynooth is advertising a diploma programme in “Mediation, Negotiation and Conflict Intervention”. Any chance the college authorities and the hierarchy might sign up for it? – Yours, etc,
MARTIN CAHILL,
Castleknock,
Dublin 15.