It is unfortunate that William Crean did not read the piece with a keener eye.
Sir, It is with regret and considerable sadness that I am obliged to address some issues raised by your columnist, Michael Commane OP in the May 9 edition of The Kerryman.
He speaks of not being familiar with the world of the diocesan priesthood.
I write as one who served as parish priest in the Parish of Castlegreghory/Cloghane for seven years, where Michael Commane resided for all of that time. During those years I sought to work co-operatively with him.
Michael has been a priest for all of 40 years, as he stated in his column. Is it not extraordinary that a man who has had the privilege of formation in the Dominican theological tradition, not just in Ireland but also in the Angelicum University of Rome, run by the Dominican Order, should expect a 'Mommy' or 'Daddy' religious person to engage with him personally on the great Christian Mystery of the Resurrection and other religious questions?
Surely, he, intelligent and gifted as he is, ought to be reaching out and assisting others to grapple with the issues of faith and spirituality rather than bemoaning his personal concerns.
I particularly take issue with his perpetual criticism of the diocesan priesthood. The men who serve in our parishes are genuine men, imperfect as we all are, who serve according to their best lights. It is deeply offensive and unfair for someone in priestly ministry to criticise so severely those who have committed themselves to communities to which they were asked to serve and said 'Yes'.
Sincerely,
William Crean,
Diocesan Priest,
Church Street,
Cahersiveen.
2 comments:
Fr crean is dead right
Strange how some folks always want shoot the messenger rather than hear the message. I have disagreed fundamentally on this blog with its author on a few occasions but this is not one of them. Many priests, diocesan or otherwise, are truly divorced from understanding what goes on in the daily lives of ordinary people. I find Michael Commane's writing to be prophetic in today's church. He has the courage to say what he believes, to stick his head above the parapet, and to speak the truth without hiding in the sacristy or behind a tag of anonymity. Good for you, Michael, keep it up.
Post a Comment