Madam, - Fr David Keating's realistic views on the Catholic Church's presence in Ireland is refreshingly devoid of clericalism (Rite Reason, October 7th). Would that our religious leaders would learn something of this pragmatism — or, should I say, display such ordinary faith in the greatness of the Christian message. It doesn't need a priest (male or female) for it to be alive in people's lives.
Priesthood, however, does have a useful liturgical and "gathering" role that requires neither maleness nor celibacy. When I see banners and candles in church with the legend "Year of Vocations", I'm often tempted to add a little graffito: "Male, celibate and clericalised. Reflective intelligence not an essential requirement. Indoctrination will be provided." - Yours, etc,
ANGELA HANLEY, Athlone, Co Westmeath.
Madam, - Fr David Keating confidently assures us that "without priests, Ireland will be just fine". Ireland may well be fine without priests, but surely the primary concern is how the Catholic Church will fare without them.
Firstly, it is ludicrous to say that diocesan priesthood is just one of a "communion of traditions" in the history of the Church and is of equal worth as sacred music or art. No intelligent reading of the last 2,000 years could possibly support this assertion. The role of the priest in the celebration of the Eucharist, the source and summit of the Christian life, makes priesthood a unique element in the life of the Catholic Church.
Secondly, the suggestion that the decline in the number of priests could be part of God's big plan for a more vibrant Catholicism is dubious. A vibrant Catholicism and the presence of priests are not, by definition, mutually exclusive. Today, it is fashionable in Church circles not to place a high value on priesthood because this may be seen as fostering clericalism. The two are not synonymous. Clericalism is a poison. Priesthood is a gift.
Finally, the decline in priestly vocations in Ireland is not due to some mysterious plan of God but is readily explained by the fall in religious practice and the wider trend among young adults to delay or avoid lifelong commitment.
The task for the Church is to engage creatively with this challenging reality rather than passively accepting it as "God's plan" for the future. - Yours, etc,
Dr ANDREW O'CONNELL, Mount Andrew Grove, Lucan, Co Dublin.
Madam, - St John Vianney, the Curé d'Ars, said: "If you want to destroy religion, you begin by attacking the priest, because where there is no more priest, there is no more sacrifice, and where there is no more sacrifice, there is no longer religion. Leave a parish 20 years without a priest and they will be worshipping the animals." - Yours, et c,
JOHN SCANLAN, Sheskin, Bantry, Co Cork.