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GEORGIA BULLETIN, THURSDAY, MARCH 9, 1967 7
—The Church In Ireland—I
The Archetype Of Reactionary Catholicism?
By DESMOND FISHER
1967, Georgia Bulletin-St. Louis Review Service
DUBLIN, Ireland—For many people in the English-speaking
countries, Ireland is the archetype of reactionary Catholicism.
Everything that is wrong in their Churches-exaggerated devo-
tionalism, the divorce of religion from life, clerical author
ritarianism, the bias against theological ideas - is blamed on
the Irish immigrants.
The thesis is right inasmuch as these attitudes of religion
were brought into much of the English-speaking world by the
famine Irish. But it is wrong in suggesting that they are speci
fically Irish attitudes. They were common to the whole Church
at the time the Irish were leaving their own country in hun
dreds of thousands and flocking overseas. They still persist
in countries like Spain and Italy which were not influenced
by Irish Catholicism. It is as fair to blame Ireland for them
as it is to blame her for Latin in the Mass.
The Old Image
But Ireland still suffers from the old image. It is not only
Paul Blanshard who sees it as a priest-ridden country full of
ignorant and superstitious peasants. Most American "liberal”
writers, as an article in the November, 1966, issue of Herder
Correspondence pointed out, still blame Ireland for the ultra
conservative elements still surviving in U.S. Catholicism.
The Irish themselves half-believe the image. They look
abroad and see what is happening in Holland, in the United
fates, even in Britain. And they think of themselves as fall-
far behind.
In fact, Irish Catholicism, in many respects, is far more
healthy than that in many other countries. Temperamentally
and theologically, the Irish are far more ready to take part in
the task of renewing the Church than, say, the Catholics of
Britain.
In the first place, they are a homogeneous people. They are
not divided by the class consciousness of Britain or the money
snobbery of the U.S. The vicissitudes of history and the past
half-century’s struggle to build ah independent state have kept
them together. The new movements in the Church have not
divided them theologically. Though many of the older people are
a bit bewildered, they are open to change.
The Latin Mass Society or Father Gommar de Pauw would
get no support in Ireland.
Great Religious Zeal
There is, too, in the Irish character a great religious zeal
which up to now has shown itself in missionary activity, de-
votionalism and the penitential aspects of Irish Catholicism.
(Two of the most difficult pilgrimages left in the Catholic.
Church-Lough Derg, where people fast for three days and nights
and walk barefoot on sharp stones round "stations" and Croagh
Patrick, where people climb a high mountain, many barefoot
also-are in Ireland).
The Irish have been fired by the Vatican Council, unlike the
majority of British Catholics who ere still apathetic and un-
enthusiastic. They woke up late to its importance. But by the
time it was coming to an end, they were whole-heartedly sup
porting it. The result is that the people are ready and willing
to make any of the changes which the letter and, more impor
tant, the spirit of the Council require.
The bishops, too, with one or two exceptions, are thoroughly
convinced supporters of the renewal movement. But there is
still enough of the old attitudes remaining to keep this enthu
siasm and readiness for change 4n uneasy check. By and large,
they are still paternalistic, in some cases authoritarian. They
are suspicious of some of the lay attitudes which have follow
ed the Council. And while they want change, they are reluctant
to let control pass out of their own hands. They feel that reform
must be firmly guided from the top.
Bishops Are Irish, Too
And while they have gone a good part of the way to putting
the conciliar reforms into effect, they have taken good care to
do it as unostentatiously as possible. This is not due to humi
lity.
Cardinal William Conway, the 54-year old Primate of All-
Ireland, gave one. explanation: "Don’t forget, we Bishops are
Irish too. And the Irishman likes to do things quietly so as to
dispel the impression that he is publicity-hunting and to avoid
running the gauntlet of criticism. But the importance lies in
getting a thing done, not in making a song and dance about it."
There are at least two other explanations for the bishops'
care in avoiding publicity. One is their distrust of the press.
Some bishops complain that the newspapers are more interes
ted in sensationalism than in serious analysis of what is going
on. To a large extent, this criticism is justified. With one
exception,-ironically enough a publication associated, though
now anachronistically, with the Protestant minority-the daily
newspapers in Ireland are superficial. But the state-controll
ed broadcasting service and several excellent religious and
general magazines have a high standard of reportage.
Another and more likely explanation of the bishops'publi
city-shyness is that they do not want to set off a stampede
,toward ultra-progressivism. They are afraid of the conse
quences of too hasty or too public action.
Aware Of Troubles
They are aware of the troubles the aggiornamento has run
into in England and in the U.S., the two countries which have
most effect on Ireland. They want to avoid them in their own
country. They recognize that the Irish enthusiasm for reli
gion could easily get out of hand and they are afraid to aban
don. the check and balance mechanism which they can still
operate.
So the overall picture of Ireland at present is one of a deli
cately-held equilibrium in which a false move could have
serious consequences.
There is a degree of anti-clericalism which surpasses
anything in any other country in Europe. The young priests
themselves are among the most vocal and cogent critics.
The bishops, by their deliberate choice, are operating behind
the Scenes and therefore making themselves more remote,
emerging into prominence only when they are being challen
ged or criticized.
When pressed, the Cardinal and many of the bishops will
admit that they should make more use of the means of com
munication to maintain a dialogue with the people. The laity
are Convinced that the Council has made an enormous diffe
rence in the Church and are anxious to be in on the renewal.
But they are finding no sufficient outlets for their zeal.
Not A Simple People
In any other country, such a. situation might not be sustain
able. But Ireland is accustomed to it. The Irish are not a
sinjple people.. They think on two, perhaps three, levels at
the same time.
Outwardly, they are what the visitor sees-charming, easy
going to the point of laziness, given to talk (preferably with
a lubricated larynx), seemingly content to accept the status
quo in politics, religion and their material surroundings.
But underneath there is a melancholy combined with a hard
practicality which helps to explain their tenacity in the face
of centuries of persecution and the personal frustrations in
their own lives. The Irish are what they are because of what
they have been. They have lived for a long time with dreams
which could never materialize. Generations were reared in
' an atmosphere of outward acceptance which cloaked inward
rebellion. They find it easy to dissemble.
Underneath that again.is the real Irishman, a man with a
deep awareness of the spiritual, for whom, in a very real
sense, "God is nearer than the door.” It is not poetic fancy
but a deep religiosity (not necessarily of Christian origin) which
enables an Irishman to see the hand of Providence in the
smallest affairs of human life.
It is only when one begins to peel off these layers of perso
nality that one can hope to understand what is happening in Ire
land today as a result of Vatican II.
***
NEXT WEEK: Desmond Fisher reports on how Ireland
is taking to the changes of the Vatican Council.
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God.Love You
BY MSGR. EDWARD T. O’MEARA
Today, it is not unusual to hear good but bewildered Catholics
involved in ecumenical discussions ask, "Has Lentlost its mean
ing?” "What is the meaning of Lent?” "Should it mean the same
to each of us?” "Is there a common denominator?” We are all
sons of Adam. We need only to look at the effect of his sin in us:
our disordered appetities, our darkened minds, our weakened
wills. If Adam had such an effect on humanity, shall Christ have
less? It iS here that our faith is tested. During Lent when the
Church concentrates on the humanity of Christ, should not we, His
Mystical Body, identify ourselves more closely with the Passion
and Cross by voluntary sacrifices?
Christ knows what it is to suffer. Two-thirds
of mankind know what it is to suffer. But how
many of us love ChristinHis suffering huma
nity enough to take on voluntarily just a touch
of suffering by sacrificing for them during
Lent7 Sacrifices come from those who enter
into the suffering of the poor and who see in
them the sufferings of Christ. Sacrifices come
from those who have the vibrant faith it takes
to let the love of God replace the love of self.
How does your faith measure up? When you look at a cruci
fix do you see that Christ in His individual manhood has gathered
into Himself every form of pain? When you look at a photograph
in a newspaper of a wounded, war-scarred refugee, do you see
Christ living in his homelessness? If someone shows you a pic
ture of a leper, do you see Christ suffering in the unspeakable
loneliness and agony and nakedness of his disease? These repre
sent just a drop of His suffering. On Calvary He drank the whole
cup. "He emptied Himself,” to buy us back so that we might take
possession of our heritage as children of God. We become most
like Christ when we pour out to our brethren the love that made
Him sacrifice Himself for u>.
Thitjk about it! Is this the meaning of Lent for you? How far are
you willing to identify yourself with Christ? Why not completely -
by identifying yourself with Him as He suffers today in the poor,
the sick, the homeless of the world? Realfaith is seeing Our Lord
became partaker of our human nature in all its bitterness, hunger,
thirst-the whole mass of human sorrow. Whatever you have given
up or decided to /do for Lent you can turn into alms. Whatever
you send to the Holy Father goes immediately to aid your bro
thers and sisters in Christ. Turn your sacrifices into dollars and
send them to The Society for the Propagation of the Faith, 366
Fifth Avenue, New York, N.Y. 10001.
God Love You to N.S. for $200. "This Lenten sacrifice really
hurt! It’s the cost of joining, a ski-house for the season." ... to
B.H. & J. for $38. "This is whatwe wouldhavcpaid to have din
ner out on Valentine's day. Please use it for those who have no
food at all.” ... to A.O’S. for $80. "I desperately wanted a new
suit for a special party and then I saw the pictures of the poor
in MISSION and knew I didn’t really need it.”
It is never too early to think about your future! First make out
a Will. If you want to continue doing good after your death, leave
everything to the Holy Father who through his Society for the Pro
pagation of the Faith will give it within the year of your death to
the poor missions of the world. The other way to provide for the
future is to take out an Annuity, receive an income while you
live, reduce your taxes, and let the remainder go to the Holy
Father to be distributed that year. This is the great advantage
of giving to The Society for the Propagation of the Faith, the
"middle man" for the Holy Father who gives it to the poor.
For more information write to me at 366 Fifth Avenue, New
York, N.Y. 10001. God Love You!
Cut out this column, pin your sacrifice to it and mail it to
Right Reverend Edward O'Meara, National Director of The
Society for the Propagation of the Faith, 366 Fifth Avenue,
New York, N.Y. 10001, or to your Diocesan Director, Rev.
Noel C. Burtenshaw, P.O. Box 12047, 2699 Peachtree Road,
N.E., Northside Station, Atlanta, Georgia.
CALENDAR
MARCH
10 -A retreat for women will be held at Ignatius House, 6700
Riverside Dr., from Friday, March 10, at 7:30 p.m. to
Sunday evening, March 12. Father John L. Hein S.J. will
be retreat master. For reservations call Ignatius House,-
255-0503.
-oT^non toI it
17 - Past presidents of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Pa
rents Club will hold its annual St. Patrick's dance in the
cafetorium on Friday, March 17, from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.
Music will be furnished by Frances Wallace’s orchestra.
$5 per couple. For reservations call Carol Martin, 634-
2295, LaNae Girardeau, 636-8180, or JolaineKingery, 634-
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11 - Cathedral Club of Atlanta (for single adults) will hold its,/
"Casual Party” onSaturday, March 11, 8:30 p.m., at 54 f
Londonberry Rd., N.W.
12 - The Promoters of the Sacred Heart local chapter, Apostles
of Prayer willmeetintheSacredHeartChurch, 335 Ivy St.,
N.E., on Sunday, March 12, at 3:30 p.m. Father Michael
Woods will speak oir indulgences.
12 - The regular bimonthly meeting of the St. Pius X Home and
School Association will be at the school cafetorium on Sun
day, March 12 at 3 p.m.. Guest speaker will be Father
Conald G. Foust, who will discuss "Progress in the
Church.”
12 - How do we know what the fundamental rights of man are?
What are the facts of racial equality in the United States?
These are some of the problems discussed by Father Law
rence J. Schieber, pastor of Nativity Church, Belgique, Mo.,
on the Sacred Heart program, Sunday, March 12, at 7:30
p.m., station WAGA-TV, channel 5.
12 -Girl Scout Troops 413, 150 and 759 will participate in an
evening Mass followed by a Birthday Party honoring 55
years of Girl Scouting in America on Sunday, March 12
at 6 p.m. in St. Anthony's Church, Gordon and Ashby
streets. For any information please call Mrs. William
Rose 344-6999.
12 - A Communion Breakfast for menof Christ the King parish
will be held in the Cathedral Center Sunday, March 12 fol
lowing the 8:30 Mass. Make reservations.
13 - A training program for altar boys will begin March 13
at 3:30 p.m. in the sacristy of Christ the King Cathedral,
Boys in fifth grade and older boys are eligible.
13 - The Ladies Guild of Holy Spirit parish will hold a social
in the assembly room of Cathedral of Christ the King cen
ter, on Monday, March 13, at 12:30p.m. Guest speaker will
be Rabbi Richard Lehrman discussing the Jewish faith.
A business meeting will follow,
13 - The Christopher Toastmasters Club will meet on Monday,
Mar. 13, at Davis House cafeteria, Brookhaven. Cocktails
at 6:15 p.m., Dinner-meeting at 6:30 p.m.
14 - A Day of Recollection will be held at the Convent of the
Sisters of the Visitation, 1820 Ponce de Leon Ave., N.E.,
On Tuesday, March 14, from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Father
Jerome Laughlin, O.F.M. will conduct this service. For,
reservations call, Mrs. Roy A. Pert 373-8865.
14 - The Sacrament of Confirmation will be conferred at St.
Michael's Church, Gainesville on Tuesday, March 14,
at 7 p.m. Mass.
14 - St. Anthony's Home and School Association will meet in
the school cafeteria Tuesday, March 14, at 7:30 p.m. Sr.
Marie Venard will speak on "Child Guidance: the pro
gram and purpose." Classrooms will be open to parents
before the meeting.
15 - Cathedral Club of Atlanta, L.S.D. Party (Leadership,
Study Discussion group) will meet at the rectory of Christ
the King, on Wednesday, March 15, at 8:30 p.m.
16 The Sacrament of Confirmation will be conferred at St.
Anthony's Church, on Thursday, March 16, at 8 p.m.
Mass.
17 - "A Sport’s Banquet” will be held on Friday, March 17,
at 7 p.m., at St. John’s School Cafeteria. The banquet is \
to honor students who participated in the sports activities
of the school. Donation $1.25 adults, children 75£.
i'tts
tea 17
■^Tlfti“thf^ sWifelii??of SlfrlSS§f the r immaculate' J (3oncep^oq .*° f * 1
will sponsor a "THank You” party for parishioners and
friends, on Friday, March 17, at 8 p.m.
17 - Cathedral Club of Atlanta will hold its St. Patrick’s Day
Day Dance at the Knights of Columbus hall on Buford
Highway, on Friday, March 17, at 8:30 p.m. Joey Mit
chell’s band will play. $5.50 per couple.
17 - Assumption parish C.Y.O, members invite teenagers to
attend a St. Patrick's night dance at the Biltmore Hotel,
Friday, March 17. The Esquires will provide the music.
j . Semi-formal attire is required and something GREEN for
the occasion. Admission: $3 per couple. Tickets will be
available before the dance and at the Biltmore Hotel on the
night of the dance.
18 - Entrance examinations for Marist School for boys, gra
des 7, 8, and 9, will be given on Saturday, March 18,
from 8;30 a.m.-12 noon, at Marist School, 3790 Ash-
ford-Dunwoody Road, N.W. For further information call,
457-7201.
18 -Most Blessed Sacrament Council of Women will hold their
annual St. Joseph Day Mass and dinner in the cafetorium
Saturday, March 18. Mass will be at 7:30 followed by din
ner. For further information telephone, Mrs. Charles
Clayton, 344-6572.
18 -The annual St. Patrick’s Day dance at Sts. Peter and Paul
will be held 9 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. Saturday, March 18.
For reservations call Art Krauss at 284-2978 or Bill
McHugh at 284-0500.
18 - Pre-election party for members and members-to-be of
the Cathedral Club of Atlanta, will be held at 3390 Cata
lina Drive, Chamblee, on Saturday, March 18, at 8:30
p.m. Call Joe Wyndelts for directions, 451-2517.
19 - General meeting and election of officers of the Cathedral
Club of Atlanta will meet on Sunday, March 19, following
the 5;30 Mass at Christ the ( King Church.
19 - Our Lady of the Assumption Fraternity Third Order of
Mary will hold a Day of Recollection in place of the regular
meeting, Sunday, March 19, beginning with the 12:45 Mass,
closing at 4:15 p.m. Father Vincent P. Brennan, S.M. will
conduct the service. All other Third Order Fraternities
are invited to attend.
19 - The Third Order of St. Francis will hold its regular
meeting Sunday, March 19, 3-5 p.m. at the Shrine of the
Immaculate Conception. Father Eusebius Beltran will
speak at the hour of recollection. All are invited.
j 19 - The meeting of Our Lady Queen of Heaven Curia, Legion
of Mary, will be held in the basement of Sacred Heart rec
tory on Sunday, March 19, at 2 p.m., followed by the annual
Acies in Sacred Heart Church.
j 20 - The St, Joseph's Infirmary Auxiliary will meet Monday,
March 20, at 1 p.m. at the hospital. Luncheon will be ser
ved and election of officers will be held. The board of
directors will meet at noon,
31 - The Ladies Guild of St. John the Evangelist Church, Hape-
ville, will hold its annual spring card party in the school
cafeteria on Friday, March 31, at 8 p.m. Donation, $1.
Door prizes and refreshments.
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