Sunday Newsletter

Masses Today

6.30: Molly Forde & John (son), (RIP).
11.00: Monica Duggan, (Anniv).
6.30: Peter & Bridie Berry and Tierney family members, (RIP).

As I Was Saying...

On Thursday last, two of the world's most prominent theologians got together in Rome. A large flock of reporters from the world's media were there too. Theology (or St. Augustine!) does not usually get such attention. But the men in question happen to be, respectively, the head of the Roman Catholic Church, Pope Benedict XVI, and his nearest equivalent in the Anglican Communion, the Archbishop of Canterbury Dr Rowan Williams.

They should get on well. They have much in common. Both men were academics before being snatched from that rarified world to serve their people in more onerous leadership roles. They both happen to be great admirers of St. Augustine and recognised experts on the works of the fifth century saint. Both were most at home when conducting theological seminars as plain Professor Ratzinger and Professor Williams. Both are still capable of 'reverting to type', and indulging in some very mysterious and convoluted language. Language has landed both men in 'hot water' on more than one occasion. So some of the press people will be looking out for a colourful turn of phrase which can be 'spun' to in the interests of creating a good story and a bit of mischief. Both men have obliged in the past!

Apart from providing occasional good copy for some very flippant journalists, theology has proved to be a faithful servant of western civilisation. For example, it was theology that gave us the theory of 'just war'.

This teaching still lies at the root of international law. Perhaps the Pope and Archbishop will take this opportunity to say that had Mr. Blair and Mr. Bush brushed up on their theology before they invaded Iraq, they might well have saved themselves, Iraq, and the rest of us an awful lot of bother.

And, to move beyond Christian theology to Islam, what is the great ongoing struggle in that faith between moderates and extremists but a theological battle for the soul of the entire Muslim world? Before we look down on them for being in such turmoil, it is only honest to admit that it was Islamic civilisation that shone out as a beacon of enlightenment when Christian Europe was mired in the Dark Ages, and what shook us out of it was the influence of Islamic scholarship on Christian theology. Perhaps it's time we repaid the compliment.

So what is theology? It is a systematic basis for thinking rationally about our duty to God and each other. We live in a secular climate. One of the unexamined assumptions of this climate is that thinking rationally about God can lead only to atheism. Belief in God is dismissed as 'unscientific', irrational.

But is it irrational to ask the 'Great Questions'? Like, "What are we here for?" "Where are we going?" We ask them because we cannot avoid them. So it does actually make sense to have the world's press in Rome this week to report on what those two leading theologians have to say - even if we have to dig beneath the convoluted language of the two bishops.

-Dick Lyng

Items of Some Interest

Paddy Melia (1910-2006)

Paddy Melia, our most venerable and perhaps best-loved parishioner died this week. He was born in Athenry in 1910. He came in to Galway as a young man to work in Cahill's Menswear in Shop St. Perhaps this may explain the immaculate style of his everyday outfit. His tie was his hallmark! When Cahills closed in the 1960s, he went to work with Dermot McLaughlin in a business that was then a novelty, Frozen Foods.

He attended Mass in the Augustinian every morning of his life. In his latter years, he was a constant feature at the 11.00 Mass. In the autumn years, Paddy enjoyed good health, in the literal sense. My last view of a healthy Paddy Melia was on Christmas morning last year. He complained that his health was not what it used to be as he declined an offer of a seat up the church. Then, on New Year's Eve, he 'had a turn'. For Paddy, independent living was over. It was a terrible blow for a man who had been so proud of his health and his age.

Paddy was a lovely, gentle jolly man who was very much at home with himself. He was a contented man who shared that contentment. He had an easy gait about him as he ambled about the town shopping for the days few provisions. His unhurried style meant that he always had time for a chat. In fact after the 11.00 Mass every morning, he formed a huddle outside the church door with two of his great friends, Hughie Keleghan and Charlie McDermott. There they discussed the event of the morning, smoked their pipes and cigarettes, speculated on the weather for the day, and listened to Hughie's terribly corny jokes. Charlie and Hughie, though much younger men that Paddy, died within a short time of each other. Paddy was devastated by their passing. A central element of his social life had been suddenly wiped out. And the realisation that he himself was now shuffling to the top of the queue.

He was a man of strong faith, and he was blessed throughout his life with a trustful disposition. His vision of his God and his understanding of his faith was never clouded by suspicion or cynicism. Paddy was the genuine trusting article. He accepted people as they presented themselves to him. His final request on his deathbed was that a Mass should be said for him. It was as simple as that. He had an easy familiarity with the regular patrons of the Augustinian. 'Are the collections keeping up' he often asked! So it is with genuine sadness that we gathered to bid farewell to this gentle patriarch.

Paddy and May marked the 65th anniversary of their wedding on September 9th last. Paddy's devotion to May was legendary. Even in his last hours, his first thoughts were with May.

His children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren (of whom there are many!) gathered around him at his home with great ease. The screaming and the shouting he accepted graciously as part of life. He never attained, or indeed aspired to, the status of 'grumpy old man!' He was a great blessing to the four generation who experienced his gentle presence. May he continue to bless them, and all of us, through his prayers and his kind concern.

-Dick Lyng.

Advent & Christmas

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