Madam, - Congratulations to Breda O'Brien for her column on the Papal encyclical on the Eucharist (Opinion, April 26th). She has placed the encyclical in its true context for the many Catholics who might yet again feel confused by the controversy to which it (inevitably, it seems) gives rise.
I would, however, take slight issue with her final two paragraphs. I may be luckier than most, but I am one of those Catholics who regularly hears preaching which "will move us to the kind of devotion so nakedly displayed by the Pope", and has reason to "feel the kind of 'amazement and gratitude' talked about in the encyclical".
If this be interpreted as a tribute (conscious or otherwise) to the priests of my own parish (Ballineaspig, in Cork), then it is a tribute well deserved; but I cannot believe that this parish is totally exceptional in this regard. Indeed, experience tells me otherwise.
Maybe not everybody would agree with me, but if, in fact, there is a failure in this regard, it is well to remember that the effectiveness of preaching can depend as much on the listeners as on the preacher, and many priests, who are as human as the rest of us, may be prevented from giving their best through discouragement at the often negative attitudes, and dwindling size, of their congregations.
If there is a "deadness of the atmosphere in many of our churches", it should be remembered that liveliness depends on people, and the atmosphere in the church might just be made more lively by an increase in the numbers, interest and participation of the people. It's up to ourselves. - - Yours, etc.
FINNBARR O'HALLORAN, Farranlea Grove, Model Farm Road, Cork.
Madam, - On Easter Sunday morning I felt privileged to attend Holy Communion Service in St Thomas's Church of Ireland, Deegort, Achill. The minister of the day, Mr Heaslip, welcomed all present saying persons of all creeds were welcome at the Communion table on an invitation from God.
I was glad to be able to accept this invitation and as a Catholic felt honoured to be participating in the sacrament.
Surely the latest encyclical from Rome does little to foster any kind of good will or reconciliation. What a pity in this day and age of world discord and hatred. Why cannot we try to get along with our fellow believers? - Yours, etc.,
MARIE KELLY, Dooagh, Achill Island.
Madam, - Papal bull, perhaps? - Yours, etc.,
EDWARD HANLON, Ellistrin, Letterkenny, Co Donegal.