Sunday Newsletter

Masses Today

6.30: (Vigil): Annie Conneely, (Anniv).
11.00: Mary Margetts, (Anniv).
6.30: Carter family members, (RIP).

As I Was Saying...

In a week of overwhelming negativity, it was possible to actually detect a few hopeful 'straws in the wind'. For example, with the INLA cease fire, one of the last pieces of the Peace Process jig-saw fell into place.

The INLA was a particularly ruthless splinter-group with 120 murders to its name over the last 20 years. There are practical reasons for the cease fire: at the moment there is a law in place that permits the movement of weapons without fear of prosecution if that movement is deemed to be for purposes of decommissioning. This 'window of immunity' ends February next. Guns recovered after February will be subjected to ballistic and forensic tests. Those linked to their use will face lengthy prison sentences. Seasoned commentators believe that the supervised destruction of weapons is the next step. While peace has not been fully secured, one dangerous element has removed itself from the mix. That, surely, is very good news.

Sustained American interest in Irish peace matters was signalled this week with the arrival of American Secretary of State, Hilary Clinton. In a typically gutsy speech to the Northern Assembly, she challenged and teased that most 'macho' of all Irish political gatherings to complete the final stages of the peace deal! It was a proper political hand-bagging. And the lads had no option but to nod demurely. Two walked out! It is very obvious that Ms. Clinton closely identifies with the work of the Clinton presidency, and she seems determined to carry the ball over the line. You just have to admire her.

It was hardly a coincidence that she was speaking on the 25th anniversary of the Brighton bomb, when the IRA tried to annihilate the Prime Minister of the day, together with her cabinet. In an uncompromising message to those who are still engaged in violence in the Province, Ms. Clinton told them that their "enterprise of evil" was "out of step and out of time".

After thirty terrible years of darkness, northern Ireland is emerging into the daylight. The impetus for this new beginning has many sources. One was the drying up of funds from America after 9/11. The experience of terrorist atrocities first-hand tends to colour ones view of the IRA. But the world was changing in any case. The devolution of power to Scotland and Wales was a psychological blow to the Unionists. In addition, Republican sympathies in the south had reached the point of exhaustion. Thus Unionists and Republicans found themselves fighting on a changing landscape.

Ulster has the highest church going population in Europe. As churches, we must accept responsibility for our part in our tragic history. And if the Churches are true to what they preach, their distinctive contribution must be in the transformation of hearts and minds. Northern Ireland is in a dangerous space right now. A very small band of terrorists are trying 'to bring the house down'. As Hilary Clinton put it, "Their thuggish tactics and destructive ambitions threatens all." She reminded her audience that there is only one possible response: "Move ahead together with this process and you will leave these thugs stranded on the wrong side of history."

-Dick Lyng

Dublin Sex Abuse Report

Archbishop Diarmuid Martin has asked Dublin diocesan officials to brace themselves for the imminent publication of the report into clerical abuse in the diocese. Officials are expecting the report to generate a great deal of public anger at the Church's handling of sexual abuse by priests, and a number of priests have expressed trepidation at the potential fallout. Dr. Martin has stated that his primary aim is "to keep the needs of victims top of the agenda."

It is understood that the Dublin archdiocese has appointed several people who will be responsible for handling the media reaction. "We are very aware that the religious congregations handled the fallout from the Ryan Report disastrously, that is something we are determined to avoid," a diocesan spokesperson said.

Dr. Martin has also written to priests in the diocese advising them that the contents of the report will be shocking. A Dublin child protection officer has stated that "there is a great deal of fear among priests and lay people about what this report will contain. We know a lot of the numbers and the fact that hundreds of children suffered terrible abuse, but, many are anxious to see that the failures in leadership that allowed these terrible crimes to go on for so long are exposed." she said.

An unnamed Dublin priest, stated: "I think the report will be traumatic for everyone. Obviously the suffering of the victims is the highest priority, but priests will be humiliated and it will have a desperate affect on the Irish Church," he said.

The Report is expected to be published on Wednesday.

-Michael Kelly and Mags Gargan in 'The Irish Catholic'.

Body-snatching?

India's government has rejected Albania's demand for the return of Mother Teresa's remains to the land of her birth. The decision was widely welcomed in the country where the Nobel prize winner spent her life tending to the poor and needy. An external affairs official pointed out that Mother Teresa was an Indian citizen and there was no question of returning her remains.

The government was reacting to a demand by Albania, the country where she was born on August 26, 1910 "Mother Teresa was an Indian citizen. There is nothing more to be said," stated a government official.

"The Catholic church gladly welcomes the decision since Mother Teresa was fully an Indian citizen. We would want her remains to be in India," said a spokesman for the Indian Catholic Bishops. "Mother Teresa built up a strong bond with all sections of Indian society and she is respected by all in the country. This warm relationship between Mother and Indians cannot be overlooked."

This will bring joy to the many of Calcutta's natives who were outraged by the demands of the Albanian government. "She may have been an Albanian. But she became Mother Teresa because of her work in Calcutta. She came to India, and then selected Calcutta as her home and workplace. She lived here by choice. She also died here. So I think, in respect to her memory, her remains should be allowed to remain here," stated award winning novelist Mahasweta Devi.

Albanian Prime Minister Sali Berisha had asked New Delhi for her remains to be given to Albania by the 100th anniversary of her birth in August 2010.

Mother Teresa, who was beatified by Pope John Paul II in 2003, is buried at the courtyard of the Missionaries of Charity headquarters in Calcutta (now known as Kolkata). She died in 1997.

{Albania's interest in Mother Teresa is touching, if a little late in the day. The above story brings to mind another famous person who was under-appreciated during his lifetime, the ancient Greek poet, Homer. The Indian authorities could have cited the little ditty quoted below to the Albanian government official}:

"Seven wealthy towns contend for Homer dead,
Through which the living Homer begged his daily bread."

Meeting This Week

LITURGY GROUP: Our Liturgy Group will meet on Tuesday night next, October 20th, at 7.30 in the Priory. The following are members: Dick Lyng,, Tim Roe, Brenda Foy, Margaret Cunnane, Rosemarie Ryan, Majella O'Keeffe, Gerry Ferguson, Mairin Gilvarry, Fionnuala Walsh, Des Foley, Jackie Ui Chionna, Peader O-hIci, Cathal Cunningham, Audrey Lacey, Katie Hager and Marin Buester. I appreciate that not all of you can make the meeting, but the more present, the better. We will have to look at the All Souls Liturgy in St. Nicholas' and see what remains to be done.

Quote, Unquote....

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