Powerful pictures from Erfurt this afternoon.
Interesting to know what Christian Wulff and Angela Merkel said to the episcopal gliterati in the former Augustinian church.
It was in Erfurt that Willy Brandt spoke to the large crowd as the Stasi looked on.
And then later it was Erfurt born Hans Dietrich Genscher played such an important role in the days and months before the fall of the Wall.
And Erfurt is not too far from the Wartburg where Luther translated the Bible.
Friday, September 23, 2011
Bundestag falls silent for Pope Benedict
The link below is from today's Frankfurter Rundschau. It is on Pope Benedict's visit to the Bundestag. Interesting and enjoyable to read.
http://www.tagesschau.de/inland/papstbesuch152.html
"Anspruchsvoll und nachdenklich" oder letztlich nichts Neues? Die Papstrede dominiert heute die Leitartikel der deutschen Zeitungen - und erhält viel Lob. Benedikt XVI. habe mit dem Herzen gesprochen, meint die Leipziger Volkszeitung. Die Frankfurter Rundschau lobt dagegen vor allem das Geschick des Papstes. [dlf]
The above is from ARD "The Pope's address in Parliament dominates today's editorials and receives much praise.
"Benedict XVI spoke from the heart, the Leipziger Volkszeitung writes. The Frankfurter Rundschau praises the skill of Pope Benedict.
The Pope also said in his speech: " We Germans have seen how power became divorced from what was right ... how a highly organised band of robbers were capable of threatening the whole world."
http://www.tagesschau.de/inland/papstbesuch152.html
"Anspruchsvoll und nachdenklich" oder letztlich nichts Neues? Die Papstrede dominiert heute die Leitartikel der deutschen Zeitungen - und erhält viel Lob. Benedikt XVI. habe mit dem Herzen gesprochen, meint die Leipziger Volkszeitung. Die Frankfurter Rundschau lobt dagegen vor allem das Geschick des Papstes. [dlf]
The above is from ARD "The Pope's address in Parliament dominates today's editorials and receives much praise.
"Benedict XVI spoke from the heart, the Leipziger Volkszeitung writes. The Frankfurter Rundschau praises the skill of Pope Benedict.
The Pope also said in his speech: " We Germans have seen how power became divorced from what was right ... how a highly organised band of robbers were capable of threatening the whole world."
Thursday, September 22, 2011
Pope Benedict arrives in Berlin
Pope Benedict arrived in Berlin- Tegel at 10.16 German time.
He has been guest at Schloss Bellevue where he was welcomed by President Christian Wulff.
The President welcomed him home - Willkommen zu Hause Heiliger Vater.
The following paragraph from ARD makes for interesting reading.
Wulff betonte, Kirche sei keine Parallelgesellschaft, sondern lebe mitten in der Gesellschaft. Deshalb stelle sich auch immer wieder die Frage: "Wie barmherzig geht sie mit den Brüchen in den Lebensgeschichten von Menschen um? Wie mit den Brüchen in ihrer eigenen Geschichte und mit dem Fehlverhalten von Amtsträgern?" Damit spielte er auf den Missbrauchsskandal in der katholischen Kirche an und auf die Situation wiederverheirateter Geschiedener, die ihn auch persönlich betrifft.
The Pope will address the Federal Parliament this afternoon. It will be the first time a pope hasa addressed the Bundestag.
He has been guest at Schloss Bellevue where he was welcomed by President Christian Wulff.
The President welcomed him home - Willkommen zu Hause Heiliger Vater.
The following paragraph from ARD makes for interesting reading.
Wulff betonte, Kirche sei keine Parallelgesellschaft, sondern lebe mitten in der Gesellschaft. Deshalb stelle sich auch immer wieder die Frage: "Wie barmherzig geht sie mit den Brüchen in den Lebensgeschichten von Menschen um? Wie mit den Brüchen in ihrer eigenen Geschichte und mit dem Fehlverhalten von Amtsträgern?" Damit spielte er auf den Missbrauchsskandal in der katholischen Kirche an und auf die Situation wiederverheirateter Geschiedener, die ihn auch persönlich betrifft.
The Pope will address the Federal Parliament this afternoon. It will be the first time a pope hasa addressed the Bundestag.
The land of the free and the brave - but not for all
This morning at 01.00 Irish time Troy Davis was put to death by lethal injection in Atlanta in the US State of Georgia. The lethal oinjection njection was administered by officials of the State of Georgia.
There are 46.2 million US citizens living in poverty according to a census published two weeks ago.
There are 46.2 million US citizens living in poverty according to a census published two weeks ago.
Soldiers no longer need to lie about who they are
Don't Ask, Don't Tell - the US military's 18-year ban on openly gay and lesbian service personnel - has officially been repealed, ushering in a new era for the country's armed forces.
In a statement on Tuesday President Barack Obama welcomed the end of a policy that he said had forced gay and lesbian members to 'lie about who they are'.
While the US military or indeed any military could ever be considered at the vanguard of 'good practice', President Obama's comment is interesting.
Is what he said true? And if it is what can bishops, cardinals, provincials, archbishops, a pope think of these words?
In a statement on Tuesday President Barack Obama welcomed the end of a policy that he said had forced gay and lesbian members to 'lie about who they are'.
While the US military or indeed any military could ever be considered at the vanguard of 'good practice', President Obama's comment is interesting.
Is what he said true? And if it is what can bishops, cardinals, provincials, archbishops, a pope think of these words?
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
A lot of talk about unqualified math teachers
The piece below appears in this week's IN&M regional newspapers published in Ireland
By Michael Commane
The schools are all back into full swing and the third level colleges are slowly cranking into action.
Leaving and Junior Cert results are history and it’s back to ‘normality’. At least for most people.
Four years ago I got a call asking me if I would fill in teaching German for a teacher out on maternity leave. It was great to be back in the classroom. When the teacher came back the principal kept me on teaching English and religion. It’s the job I like best and I managed to keep the job for four years.
My luck ran out at the beginning of this school year and due to all sorts of numbers, permutations and combinations I am no longer in the classroom.
I miss it and am sad about it. That’s life.
Because of my own teaching experience and link with the school system I have been listening closely to the current debate going on about the number of math teachers in our schools, who are not qualified to teach the subject.
That sort of a story is grist to the mill for the media. It’s really sensational. And naturally too. The idea that someone could be out there teaching math and not qualified for the job sounds completely daft. Imagine a non-qualified engineer building a bridge or a non-qualified doctor operating on someone. It doesn’t bear thinking.
But as you and I know, nothing is as simple as it looks.
I began full time teaching on the Department of Education payroll in 1980. Teaching with me, were two fellow Dominicans, who were teaching math and science. Two gifted teachers, who gave their students a love of their subject and also produced outstanding results.
One of these men had all the required qualifications and was a brilliant teacher.
The other man was the late John James O’Gorman, who had been a student at the North Monastery in Cork and had obtained a university scholarship on his Leaving Cert results. Instead of taking up the place at university, he joined the Dominicans and later did post-graduate work in theology. On the strength of his theology degree he did his Higher Diploma in Education in Maynooth and then went teaching math and religion.
He had a brilliant mind and his first love was always math and science. But his only qualification in the subject when he set out teaching was Honours Leaving Cert. He later went on to do a doctorate in computer science but during all the years he was teaching at second level he had no qualification for the specific subject of math.
He blazed a trail and between the two men every year there was a string of As in honours math. There were two streams doing the honours course. And close to two thirds of the students came away every year with an honour in math.
Of course John was some sort of exception. But when I hear these days all the emphasis placed on qualifications all I can do is think back to John O’Gorman. He was just a natural and because of all sorts of reasons not relevant here, he never got to study math at university before his post primary teaching.
After his stint at post primary teaching he went on to do a doctorate and spent the rest of his short life teaching computer science in the University of Limerick. And there too he excelled.
Not for a moment am I arguing that people should not be qualified for the task at hand. But, as in so many areas of life at present, maybe we are too quick to lock ourselves into straight jackets.
And that mentality can easily stymie initiative and imagination.
Indeed, there is a school of thought that teachers are born not made. There is something in that.
When it comes to doing an audit in our schools, hopefully those doing the examining will look at the broader picture.
And there sure is a broader picture. Nothing is ever as simple as we think it is. And if we think it is, then really, we don’t know what we are talking about.
By Michael Commane
The schools are all back into full swing and the third level colleges are slowly cranking into action.
Leaving and Junior Cert results are history and it’s back to ‘normality’. At least for most people.
Four years ago I got a call asking me if I would fill in teaching German for a teacher out on maternity leave. It was great to be back in the classroom. When the teacher came back the principal kept me on teaching English and religion. It’s the job I like best and I managed to keep the job for four years.
My luck ran out at the beginning of this school year and due to all sorts of numbers, permutations and combinations I am no longer in the classroom.
I miss it and am sad about it. That’s life.
Because of my own teaching experience and link with the school system I have been listening closely to the current debate going on about the number of math teachers in our schools, who are not qualified to teach the subject.
That sort of a story is grist to the mill for the media. It’s really sensational. And naturally too. The idea that someone could be out there teaching math and not qualified for the job sounds completely daft. Imagine a non-qualified engineer building a bridge or a non-qualified doctor operating on someone. It doesn’t bear thinking.
But as you and I know, nothing is as simple as it looks.
I began full time teaching on the Department of Education payroll in 1980. Teaching with me, were two fellow Dominicans, who were teaching math and science. Two gifted teachers, who gave their students a love of their subject and also produced outstanding results.
One of these men had all the required qualifications and was a brilliant teacher.
The other man was the late John James O’Gorman, who had been a student at the North Monastery in Cork and had obtained a university scholarship on his Leaving Cert results. Instead of taking up the place at university, he joined the Dominicans and later did post-graduate work in theology. On the strength of his theology degree he did his Higher Diploma in Education in Maynooth and then went teaching math and religion.
He had a brilliant mind and his first love was always math and science. But his only qualification in the subject when he set out teaching was Honours Leaving Cert. He later went on to do a doctorate in computer science but during all the years he was teaching at second level he had no qualification for the specific subject of math.
He blazed a trail and between the two men every year there was a string of As in honours math. There were two streams doing the honours course. And close to two thirds of the students came away every year with an honour in math.
Of course John was some sort of exception. But when I hear these days all the emphasis placed on qualifications all I can do is think back to John O’Gorman. He was just a natural and because of all sorts of reasons not relevant here, he never got to study math at university before his post primary teaching.
After his stint at post primary teaching he went on to do a doctorate and spent the rest of his short life teaching computer science in the University of Limerick. And there too he excelled.
Not for a moment am I arguing that people should not be qualified for the task at hand. But, as in so many areas of life at present, maybe we are too quick to lock ourselves into straight jackets.
And that mentality can easily stymie initiative and imagination.
Indeed, there is a school of thought that teachers are born not made. There is something in that.
When it comes to doing an audit in our schools, hopefully those doing the examining will look at the broader picture.
And there sure is a broader picture. Nothing is ever as simple as we think it is. And if we think it is, then really, we don’t know what we are talking about.
The Pirate Party - children of Marx and Microsoft
The piece below is from today's Frankfurter Rundschau on the Pirate Party.
In Sunday's election in Berlin the party won more than five per cent of the vote, which means they now have seats in the Berlin parliament.
Obwohl das Internet die Vision einer neuen, gerechteren Welt beflügelt, erkennen die Piraten – nicht Linke oder Grüne – als Erste die politischen Potenziale des Netzes.
Die Piratenpartei sollte man ernst nehmen, findet Harald Jähner.
Foto: dapd Die Piratenpartei sollte man ernst nehmen, findet Harald Jähner.
Foto: dapd
Aus dem Stand fast neun Prozent Wählerstimmen für die Piratenpartei! Mehr Sitze im künftigen Abgeordnetenhaus als ernsthafte Anwärter vorhanden! Wer da nicht „Ist ja irre!“ ausgerufen hat, wird wohl auch nicht überrascht sein, wenn seine Frau plötzlich drei Meter groß geworden ist.
Nun kann man sich fragen: Was ist das für eine unernste Stadt, die neun Prozent ihrer Stimmen solchen Anfängern gibt? Kann denn noch ein Spaß genannt werden, was man jetzt fünf Jahre lang ernst nehmen muss? Ja, man sollte es ernst nehmen und hätte es viel früher tun müssen aufseiten der Linken und Grünen. Obwohl das Internet von Beginn an geradezu romantische Visionen einer neuen, gerechteren Welt beflügelt hat, haben sich Linke und Grüne nie mit den politischen Potenzialen des Netzes beschäftigt. Wissen für alle ist Macht für alle – solche Parolen überließen sie obskuren Hackern. Die Piraten dagegen sind Kinder von Marx und Microsoft, die sich von beiden zu emanzipieren versuchen. Es ist die einzige Partei, die auf das Faszinosum des Internets eine andere politische Antwort hat als Misstrauen und Kontrollbedürfnis. Ihr fulminanter Erfolg rührt daher, dass sie die euphorischen Gesellschaftserfahrungen, die viele mit dem Internet machen, in ein, wenn auch diffuses, politisches Programm überführen.
In ihrem Namen führt die Partei den etwas kindischen Kern ihres Programms: im Weltmeer des Internets nach Belieben jagen zu können und Beute zu machen ohne zu bezahlen. So wie das Meer mitsamt allem, was darauf herumschwimmt, in Piratenaugen für alle da ist, die gut fechten können, erscheint vielen heute das Internet. Man hat sich daran gewöhnt, gratis herunterzuladen, was den Produzenten viel Mühe, Zeit und Geld gekostet hat. Vielen wird es schlicht geraubt, andere geben freiwillig ihr Wissen und ihre Arbeit her, wie etwas die rund 10.000 Wikipedianer, die sich intensiv um die Pflege dieses Netz-Lexikons kümmern. Sie folgen wie unzählige andere dem sozialen Lockruf des Netzes, wo eine egalitäre Gesellschaft erstaunlicherweise vor allem eins macht: Spaß.
Share, das englische Wort für Teilen, ist eines der am häufigsten gebrauchten Worte der Netz-Euphoriker. Sie teilen ihr Wissen, ihre Erlebnisse, ihre Erfahrungen mit schlechten und guten Hotels, ihre Film- und ihre Plattensammlung. Sie teilen ihre Vorlieben und Abneigungen, ihren Zorn, ihren Spott, ihre Wünsche für ein gutes Leben. Communities, soziale Netzwerke, Freunde – das digitale Netz steckt voller sozialer Idyllen, die zu den realen Geschäftsverhältnissen dort schlecht passen.
In Sunday's election in Berlin the party won more than five per cent of the vote, which means they now have seats in the Berlin parliament.
Obwohl das Internet die Vision einer neuen, gerechteren Welt beflügelt, erkennen die Piraten – nicht Linke oder Grüne – als Erste die politischen Potenziale des Netzes.
Die Piratenpartei sollte man ernst nehmen, findet Harald Jähner.
Foto: dapd Die Piratenpartei sollte man ernst nehmen, findet Harald Jähner.
Foto: dapd
Aus dem Stand fast neun Prozent Wählerstimmen für die Piratenpartei! Mehr Sitze im künftigen Abgeordnetenhaus als ernsthafte Anwärter vorhanden! Wer da nicht „Ist ja irre!“ ausgerufen hat, wird wohl auch nicht überrascht sein, wenn seine Frau plötzlich drei Meter groß geworden ist.
Nun kann man sich fragen: Was ist das für eine unernste Stadt, die neun Prozent ihrer Stimmen solchen Anfängern gibt? Kann denn noch ein Spaß genannt werden, was man jetzt fünf Jahre lang ernst nehmen muss? Ja, man sollte es ernst nehmen und hätte es viel früher tun müssen aufseiten der Linken und Grünen. Obwohl das Internet von Beginn an geradezu romantische Visionen einer neuen, gerechteren Welt beflügelt hat, haben sich Linke und Grüne nie mit den politischen Potenzialen des Netzes beschäftigt. Wissen für alle ist Macht für alle – solche Parolen überließen sie obskuren Hackern. Die Piraten dagegen sind Kinder von Marx und Microsoft, die sich von beiden zu emanzipieren versuchen. Es ist die einzige Partei, die auf das Faszinosum des Internets eine andere politische Antwort hat als Misstrauen und Kontrollbedürfnis. Ihr fulminanter Erfolg rührt daher, dass sie die euphorischen Gesellschaftserfahrungen, die viele mit dem Internet machen, in ein, wenn auch diffuses, politisches Programm überführen.
In ihrem Namen führt die Partei den etwas kindischen Kern ihres Programms: im Weltmeer des Internets nach Belieben jagen zu können und Beute zu machen ohne zu bezahlen. So wie das Meer mitsamt allem, was darauf herumschwimmt, in Piratenaugen für alle da ist, die gut fechten können, erscheint vielen heute das Internet. Man hat sich daran gewöhnt, gratis herunterzuladen, was den Produzenten viel Mühe, Zeit und Geld gekostet hat. Vielen wird es schlicht geraubt, andere geben freiwillig ihr Wissen und ihre Arbeit her, wie etwas die rund 10.000 Wikipedianer, die sich intensiv um die Pflege dieses Netz-Lexikons kümmern. Sie folgen wie unzählige andere dem sozialen Lockruf des Netzes, wo eine egalitäre Gesellschaft erstaunlicherweise vor allem eins macht: Spaß.
Share, das englische Wort für Teilen, ist eines der am häufigsten gebrauchten Worte der Netz-Euphoriker. Sie teilen ihr Wissen, ihre Erlebnisse, ihre Erfahrungen mit schlechten und guten Hotels, ihre Film- und ihre Plattensammlung. Sie teilen ihre Vorlieben und Abneigungen, ihren Zorn, ihren Spott, ihre Wünsche für ein gutes Leben. Communities, soziale Netzwerke, Freunde – das digitale Netz steckt voller sozialer Idyllen, die zu den realen Geschäftsverhältnissen dort schlecht passen.
The apparel oft proclaim the man
The current upheaval among Austrian clergy is gaining momentum. It will spread.
Some of the 'hot spots' according to the current issue of The Tablet is the giving of Communion to divorced people in a second marriage - all the usual suspects.
In the coming days Pope Benedict will be in Germany. He has been invited by the German President, Christian Wulf. He will also be the guest of the Mayor of Berlin Klaus Worwereit.
President Wulf and Mayor Worwereit are practising Catholics.
The German President is a divorced man in a second relationship and the Mayor of Berlin is an openly gay man.
Interesting.
If anyone leafed through the pages of the current Irish Catholic they may have noticed two pictures; one of some Roman cardinal dressed up in idiotic clothing - some vestment that trailed the ground longer than any woman's bridal dress, the other picture was of young Legionary of Christ students.
If a picture tells anything, then surely these two pictures tell one that the people in these pictures carry government health warnings - take nothing they say with a grain of salt.
Some of the 'hot spots' according to the current issue of The Tablet is the giving of Communion to divorced people in a second marriage - all the usual suspects.
In the coming days Pope Benedict will be in Germany. He has been invited by the German President, Christian Wulf. He will also be the guest of the Mayor of Berlin Klaus Worwereit.
President Wulf and Mayor Worwereit are practising Catholics.
The German President is a divorced man in a second relationship and the Mayor of Berlin is an openly gay man.
Interesting.
If anyone leafed through the pages of the current Irish Catholic they may have noticed two pictures; one of some Roman cardinal dressed up in idiotic clothing - some vestment that trailed the ground longer than any woman's bridal dress, the other picture was of young Legionary of Christ students.
If a picture tells anything, then surely these two pictures tell one that the people in these pictures carry government health warnings - take nothing they say with a grain of salt.
Sunday, September 18, 2011
Worwereit welcomes papal visit and pirates in Berlin
This evening Guenther Jauch asked the Mayor of Berlin, Klaus Worwereit what he thought of the upcoming visit of Pope Benedict to Germany and Berlin.
Worwereit is a practising Catholic and an openly gay man.
The mayor answered in a most positive and gracious manner and was looking forward to Pope Benedict's visit, pointing out that the pope is also a head of State. He sees it as a great occasion for the city.
Worwereit was re-elected mayor of the German capital today.
The losers were the FDP, who are the smaller party in the Federal Government, and the Left Party. Winners were the SPD and Green party. The CDU increased their vote.
It means the new Berlin Government will be an SPD coalition with either the CDU or the Green Party.
The Pirate Party won more than five per cent of the vote which means they have seats in the new parliament.
Worwereit is a practising Catholic and an openly gay man.
The mayor answered in a most positive and gracious manner and was looking forward to Pope Benedict's visit, pointing out that the pope is also a head of State. He sees it as a great occasion for the city.
Worwereit was re-elected mayor of the German capital today.
The losers were the FDP, who are the smaller party in the Federal Government, and the Left Party. Winners were the SPD and Green party. The CDU increased their vote.
It means the new Berlin Government will be an SPD coalition with either the CDU or the Green Party.
The Pirate Party won more than five per cent of the vote which means they have seats in the new parliament.
Poll shows German support for Greece
In a poll commission for the Guenther Jauch programme on German television this evening, 55 per cent of Germans are in favour of financially supporting Greece in the current crisis. Fortyfive per cent are opposed
Saturday, September 17, 2011
Row rages over Pope's address in Bundestag
Pope Benedict's address to the Bundestag on Thursday will be boycotted by a number of parliamentarians.
And while German parliamentarians argue whether of not Pope Benedict should address the Bundestag, a debate goes on in Ireland whether or not the media is anti-Catholic. Then there is the discussion about the dangers of advancing secularism.
Surely it makes for far better living when we live in a secular state.
And while German parliamentarians argue whether of not Pope Benedict should address the Bundestag, a debate goes on in Ireland whether or not the media is anti-Catholic. Then there is the discussion about the dangers of advancing secularism.
Surely it makes for far better living when we live in a secular state.
A radical message
Below is the 'Thinking Anew' column in today's 'Irish Times'
We can pull anything out of the Bible to back up our claims, beliefs, hunches, prejudices. And that’s a real problem when it comes to our reading of any text. But it is all far more complicated with the Bible as it is a compilation of texts written a long time ago.
But tomorrow’s Gospel reading (Matthew 20: 1 – 16) can only be described as amazingly apt and indeed timely for the days that are in it.
It is the story of the workers who are all paid the same fee/wage whether or not they worked the same period of time.
Naturally those who work a full day are annoyed when they find out that those who work for a far shorter period of time are paid the same amount.
The paymaster argues that it’s his business how much he pays his workers and the people who worked all day were paid the deal that was offered them.
“Take your pay and go. I want to give the one who was hired last the same as I gave you. Don’t I have the right to do what I want with my own money? Or are you envious because I am generous?”
“So the last will be first, and the first will be last.”
It is a Gospel that has often perplexed me and reading it one could think that the boss can do what he likes. But tomorrow’s Gospel is in many respects a part of a wonderfully woven tapestry that is forever and always explaining how Jesus is forensically on the side of the poor, marginalised and less well-off.
It really is at the centre of the Christian message. It is this amazing conviction of Jesus that makes the Gospel, the Christian message and the living out of it something so radical and probably even contradictory.
Of course there is always the question of fairness and probity. Reason tells us that someone who works five days a week deserves to be paid more than someone who works two days with similar skills. It is understandable that someone with a highly technical and skilled job earns more than someone less skilled.
But we Christians have been mandated at our peril to take care of the weak and fragile, the less well-off in our society.
We get angry at dodgers and people who fiddle the system. Only last week there was a TV programme highlighting some of the scams perpetrated by people who unlawfully claim unemployment benefit.
We get annoyed with those who abuse our social welfare system. It’s important that the State clamps down as well as it can on all forms of abuse across all social strata.
It is easy for us to take for granted the social welfare systems that are in place across the European Union. Certainly we should be proud of the advances that have been made in this area over the last 50 to 60 years.
And Christianity has played a role in forming social policies that have helped the less fortunate in our societies.
But one thing is certain, we can only call ourselves followers of Christ if we pay special attention to the needs of those who are forgotten, poor and marginalised in society. It is not for us to decide the whys and ifs of the poor. It certainly is our obligation to care for them.
Once we begin to use pejorative terms for castigating those who are less fortunate than we, we are on the slippery slope of doing exactly what Jesus spent his time preaching against.
It is not always easy to side with the poor and the forgotten. But it is exactly that what Jesus talks about in tomorrow’s Gospel.
We find ourselves in uncharted waters. In the days and months and years ahead it will be extremely easy to search out scapegoats, whoever, wherever they are.
Never forget the why or the how, but the scapegoat and what we might be tempted to call their ‘ilk’ are first on the list when it comes to the love and mercy of God.
It might well be difficult to tally that with our inclinations, our mentalities, the wealth and pomp of the Church, but it is as simple as that, even if it is an extraordinary contradiction.
The day we lose our compassion and sensitivity for the weak, poor and fragile we lose a central ingredient of the Christian message.
The God of mercy, who casts his eye on the people the world might despise, also invites us to be kind and gracious to the poor.
It is an extraordinary calling and we have every reason to cherish and live it. Those who are last shall be first …
Michael Commane OP
We can pull anything out of the Bible to back up our claims, beliefs, hunches, prejudices. And that’s a real problem when it comes to our reading of any text. But it is all far more complicated with the Bible as it is a compilation of texts written a long time ago.
But tomorrow’s Gospel reading (Matthew 20: 1 – 16) can only be described as amazingly apt and indeed timely for the days that are in it.
It is the story of the workers who are all paid the same fee/wage whether or not they worked the same period of time.
Naturally those who work a full day are annoyed when they find out that those who work for a far shorter period of time are paid the same amount.
The paymaster argues that it’s his business how much he pays his workers and the people who worked all day were paid the deal that was offered them.
“Take your pay and go. I want to give the one who was hired last the same as I gave you. Don’t I have the right to do what I want with my own money? Or are you envious because I am generous?”
“So the last will be first, and the first will be last.”
It is a Gospel that has often perplexed me and reading it one could think that the boss can do what he likes. But tomorrow’s Gospel is in many respects a part of a wonderfully woven tapestry that is forever and always explaining how Jesus is forensically on the side of the poor, marginalised and less well-off.
It really is at the centre of the Christian message. It is this amazing conviction of Jesus that makes the Gospel, the Christian message and the living out of it something so radical and probably even contradictory.
Of course there is always the question of fairness and probity. Reason tells us that someone who works five days a week deserves to be paid more than someone who works two days with similar skills. It is understandable that someone with a highly technical and skilled job earns more than someone less skilled.
But we Christians have been mandated at our peril to take care of the weak and fragile, the less well-off in our society.
We get angry at dodgers and people who fiddle the system. Only last week there was a TV programme highlighting some of the scams perpetrated by people who unlawfully claim unemployment benefit.
We get annoyed with those who abuse our social welfare system. It’s important that the State clamps down as well as it can on all forms of abuse across all social strata.
It is easy for us to take for granted the social welfare systems that are in place across the European Union. Certainly we should be proud of the advances that have been made in this area over the last 50 to 60 years.
And Christianity has played a role in forming social policies that have helped the less fortunate in our societies.
But one thing is certain, we can only call ourselves followers of Christ if we pay special attention to the needs of those who are forgotten, poor and marginalised in society. It is not for us to decide the whys and ifs of the poor. It certainly is our obligation to care for them.
Once we begin to use pejorative terms for castigating those who are less fortunate than we, we are on the slippery slope of doing exactly what Jesus spent his time preaching against.
It is not always easy to side with the poor and the forgotten. But it is exactly that what Jesus talks about in tomorrow’s Gospel.
We find ourselves in uncharted waters. In the days and months and years ahead it will be extremely easy to search out scapegoats, whoever, wherever they are.
Never forget the why or the how, but the scapegoat and what we might be tempted to call their ‘ilk’ are first on the list when it comes to the love and mercy of God.
It might well be difficult to tally that with our inclinations, our mentalities, the wealth and pomp of the Church, but it is as simple as that, even if it is an extraordinary contradiction.
The day we lose our compassion and sensitivity for the weak, poor and fragile we lose a central ingredient of the Christian message.
The God of mercy, who casts his eye on the people the world might despise, also invites us to be kind and gracious to the poor.
It is an extraordinary calling and we have every reason to cherish and live it. Those who are last shall be first …
Michael Commane OP
Thursday, September 15, 2011
Hidden money at Freidrichstrasse and direct to Krakow on a used CIE rail voucher with Deutsche Reichsbahn
There is a report in today's Irish Times of Angela Merkel opening an exhibition at the former customs clearing building at Freidrichstrasse.
Friedrichstrasse was the main crossing point from West to East Berlin.
The exhibition has on show memorabilia of the former GDR period.
On St Patrick's Day 1985 I crossed into the GDR at Freidrichstrasse en route to Krakow in Poland.
Tucked away in a pocket in a shirt in my bag I had East German currency, which I had bought on the black market in West Berlin. I had bought the money at 1:11, whereas the 'official rate' was 1:4. And the daily 30DM compulsory change rate was computed at 1:1.
To my great surprise the border guard asked me to open my bag and began to search through my clothing. I was scared to death and thinking fast. Had an idea; quickly mentioned that it was Ireland's national day and began talking nonsense about Ireland's freedom fight. The guard became distracted and suddenly closed my case.
God bless St Patrick.
Later that morning a group of us took the S-Bahn to Ost Bahnhof, which was then the premier rail station of the German Democratic Republic, and boarded a train for Poland.
Close to Frankfurt an der Oder, the GDR Polish border, the train checker asked for my ticket. I had an old used CIE voucher, om which I had erased the Irish destination and written over it, Berlin, Haupstadt der DDR nach Krakau.
At first the checker was mystified. I remonstrated to him that I spoke neither Polish nor German, only Irish.
He called the train chief, who looked most officiously at the ticked. After a few moments, looking and sounding important, he nodded his head and all was well.
Another great lesson on the stupidity of 'important people'.
Berlin to Krakow worked out at something like 15 cent.
A most enjoyable rail journey. And so sweet.
Friedrichstrasse was the main crossing point from West to East Berlin.
The exhibition has on show memorabilia of the former GDR period.
On St Patrick's Day 1985 I crossed into the GDR at Freidrichstrasse en route to Krakow in Poland.
Tucked away in a pocket in a shirt in my bag I had East German currency, which I had bought on the black market in West Berlin. I had bought the money at 1:11, whereas the 'official rate' was 1:4. And the daily 30DM compulsory change rate was computed at 1:1.
To my great surprise the border guard asked me to open my bag and began to search through my clothing. I was scared to death and thinking fast. Had an idea; quickly mentioned that it was Ireland's national day and began talking nonsense about Ireland's freedom fight. The guard became distracted and suddenly closed my case.
God bless St Patrick.
Later that morning a group of us took the S-Bahn to Ost Bahnhof, which was then the premier rail station of the German Democratic Republic, and boarded a train for Poland.
Close to Frankfurt an der Oder, the GDR Polish border, the train checker asked for my ticket. I had an old used CIE voucher, om which I had erased the Irish destination and written over it, Berlin, Haupstadt der DDR nach Krakau.
At first the checker was mystified. I remonstrated to him that I spoke neither Polish nor German, only Irish.
He called the train chief, who looked most officiously at the ticked. After a few moments, looking and sounding important, he nodded his head and all was well.
Another great lesson on the stupidity of 'important people'.
Berlin to Krakow worked out at something like 15 cent.
A most enjoyable rail journey. And so sweet.
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Faulty design with lock on dublinbikes
Anyone who uses dublinbikes be particularly careful with the inbuilt locking device.
It is a spring-loaded chain device, which is attached to the basket on the front of the bicycle.
If you remove the device, especially in any sort of quick or careless manner it can very easily 'jump up' and hit you in the face.
The force of it could easily damage an eye or break a tooth.
It has happened. So be careful.
It is a spring-loaded chain device, which is attached to the basket on the front of the bicycle.
If you remove the device, especially in any sort of quick or careless manner it can very easily 'jump up' and hit you in the face.
The force of it could easily damage an eye or break a tooth.
It has happened. So be careful.
Priests' group supports Edward Daly's call
The piece below if from today's Irish Times.
PATSY McGARRY, Religious Affairs Correspondent
THE ASSOCIATION of Catholic Priests has supported calls by the former Bishop of Derry Edward Daly for a removal of the compulsory celibacy requirement where Catholic priests are concerned.
The association’s founder member Fr Brendan Hoban said yesterday: “It is one part of our platform. The vocations situation is one thing, but it is also important as an issue.
“In 10-15 years’ time it will be a drastic situation [where priest numbers are concerned] and there is no plan B.”
He said many Catholic priests were “mesmerised” by the Vatican’s recent creation of a new personal prelature for disaffected married Anglican clergy, now recognised as Catholic priests.
“They cannot understand how the rule can be ignored or disposed with in cases and yet not be acceptable generally,” he said. Writing in the July 2009 edition of Furrow magazine, Fr Hoban forecast that priests “will have effectively disappeared in Ireland in two to three decades”.
In his memoir A Troubled See , which will be published this evening at the University of Ulster in Derry, Dr Daly writes that “something needs to be done and done urgently” about removing the compulsory celibacy requirement for Catholic priests.
The former bishop says he hopes “senior members of the clergy and laity make their views more forcefully known” on the matter, “views that are often expressed privately but seldom publicly”. He believes “there should also be a place in the modern Catholic Church for a married priesthood and for men who do not wish to commit themselves to celibacy”.
In his book, Dr Daly is critical of how Irish bishops are selected, and says he is “very happy with the liturgy and language of the Mass as we now have it”.
He was “deeply disappointed” by an experience of celebration of the Mass in Latin some years ago, which he found “ lifeless and somewhat meaningless . . .”
He notes that “bishops who served in the dioceses of Ireland for the last 100 years have been largely drawn from a small elite group within the priesthood”.
He estimates that, in the 20th century, “more than 75 per cent of bishops were appointed from less than 20 per cent of the priests” and that these latter “were engaged” or “have spent most of their priestly lives engaged in full-time teaching (at second and/or third level)”.
He himself was the first bishop of Derry in the 20th century not to have been president of St Columb’s College there.
He and other bishops “who had served exclusively in parish ministry . . . were a tiny minority” among the Irish bishops.
He was bishop of Derry from 1974 to 1993. It is his impression “the powers-that-be in Rome had always considered . . . teaching and orthodoxy in teaching were primary, and that parish pastoral experience was secondary”.
He believes the type of education gained in parish ministry “cannot be replicated in an academic environment” and “would venture to suggest that the academic common room or dining room is, in most cases, at least a step removed from such mundane experiences”.
He believes “the virtual absence of pastorally experienced clergy in positions of authority in the Irish church” helped inhibit renewal promised by Vatican II.
“While much could be learned from a background in teaching or academic studies or senior positions in the Holy See or as major superiors in religious congregations”, it is his view that “there is also a great deal that can be learned in the university of the parish”, he said.
“There should be a preponderance of priests from parish pastoral backgrounds in the ranks of bishops,” he said, and more of these should be in the 35 to 50 age range.
PATSY McGARRY, Religious Affairs Correspondent
THE ASSOCIATION of Catholic Priests has supported calls by the former Bishop of Derry Edward Daly for a removal of the compulsory celibacy requirement where Catholic priests are concerned.
The association’s founder member Fr Brendan Hoban said yesterday: “It is one part of our platform. The vocations situation is one thing, but it is also important as an issue.
“In 10-15 years’ time it will be a drastic situation [where priest numbers are concerned] and there is no plan B.”
He said many Catholic priests were “mesmerised” by the Vatican’s recent creation of a new personal prelature for disaffected married Anglican clergy, now recognised as Catholic priests.
“They cannot understand how the rule can be ignored or disposed with in cases and yet not be acceptable generally,” he said. Writing in the July 2009 edition of Furrow magazine, Fr Hoban forecast that priests “will have effectively disappeared in Ireland in two to three decades”.
In his memoir A Troubled See , which will be published this evening at the University of Ulster in Derry, Dr Daly writes that “something needs to be done and done urgently” about removing the compulsory celibacy requirement for Catholic priests.
The former bishop says he hopes “senior members of the clergy and laity make their views more forcefully known” on the matter, “views that are often expressed privately but seldom publicly”. He believes “there should also be a place in the modern Catholic Church for a married priesthood and for men who do not wish to commit themselves to celibacy”.
In his book, Dr Daly is critical of how Irish bishops are selected, and says he is “very happy with the liturgy and language of the Mass as we now have it”.
He was “deeply disappointed” by an experience of celebration of the Mass in Latin some years ago, which he found “ lifeless and somewhat meaningless . . .”
He notes that “bishops who served in the dioceses of Ireland for the last 100 years have been largely drawn from a small elite group within the priesthood”.
He estimates that, in the 20th century, “more than 75 per cent of bishops were appointed from less than 20 per cent of the priests” and that these latter “were engaged” or “have spent most of their priestly lives engaged in full-time teaching (at second and/or third level)”.
He himself was the first bishop of Derry in the 20th century not to have been president of St Columb’s College there.
He and other bishops “who had served exclusively in parish ministry . . . were a tiny minority” among the Irish bishops.
He was bishop of Derry from 1974 to 1993. It is his impression “the powers-that-be in Rome had always considered . . . teaching and orthodoxy in teaching were primary, and that parish pastoral experience was secondary”.
He believes the type of education gained in parish ministry “cannot be replicated in an academic environment” and “would venture to suggest that the academic common room or dining room is, in most cases, at least a step removed from such mundane experiences”.
He believes “the virtual absence of pastorally experienced clergy in positions of authority in the Irish church” helped inhibit renewal promised by Vatican II.
“While much could be learned from a background in teaching or academic studies or senior positions in the Holy See or as major superiors in religious congregations”, it is his view that “there is also a great deal that can be learned in the university of the parish”, he said.
“There should be a preponderance of priests from parish pastoral backgrounds in the ranks of bishops,” he said, and more of these should be in the 35 to 50 age range.
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Errors and clarifications
This blog apologises for giving an incorrect name in an RTE Prime Time investigates programme. The blog referred to a Fr Kevin Byrne when it should have been a Fr Kevin Reynolds.
A headline last week should have used the word hidebound and not highbound.
Again, apologies.
This blog is only too delighted to be informed of all forms of mistakes and errors.
A headline last week should have used the word hidebound and not highbound.
Again, apologies.
This blog is only too delighted to be informed of all forms of mistakes and errors.
Dublinbikes is two years old today
Over two and a half million journeys later, dublinbikes celebrates its second birthday today.
During this time dublinbikes has been recognised both here at home and internationally as one of the most successful bike share rental schemes in the world.
Long term members have grown to over 37,000 with short term subscriptions topping the 25,000 mark.
A great example of what we can do.
During this time dublinbikes has been recognised both here at home and internationally as one of the most successful bike share rental schemes in the world.
Long term members have grown to over 37,000 with short term subscriptions topping the 25,000 mark.
A great example of what we can do.
Former Derry bishop calls for married priests
Retired bishop of Derry, Edward Daly, calls for married priests.
Interviewed on RTE Radio One this morning he spoke about priests who left ministry during his term as bishop. He said many good men left to marry women with whom they had fallen in love.
He said he had lived a happy and full life but if he were 24 today he was not sure what he would do.
Bishop Daly says: "Something needs to be done and done urgently and I hope that senior members of the clergy and laity make their views more forcefully known, views that are often expressed privately but seldom publicly". Italics are those of the blogger.
And it's not just the words said in private. So often the words that are never said.
For a retired Irish bishop to express such an opinion is certainly an important moment in the life of the Irish church.
It will be interesting to see in the days and months ahead will any Irish bishop make a comment.
Interviewed on RTE Radio One this morning he spoke about priests who left ministry during his term as bishop. He said many good men left to marry women with whom they had fallen in love.
He said he had lived a happy and full life but if he were 24 today he was not sure what he would do.
Bishop Daly says: "Something needs to be done and done urgently and I hope that senior members of the clergy and laity make their views more forcefully known, views that are often expressed privately but seldom publicly". Italics are those of the blogger.
And it's not just the words said in private. So often the words that are never said.
For a retired Irish bishop to express such an opinion is certainly an important moment in the life of the Irish church.
It will be interesting to see in the days and months ahead will any Irish bishop make a comment.
Sunday, September 11, 2011
Jauch makes efortless move to serious TV
ARD, one of Germany's two public broadcasting TV stations, featured this evening a new political talk show hosted by well-known TV personality Guenther Jauch.
The first show made for great viewing.
The panel included a former defence minister, the CEO of Springer publishing house, the mother of a Bundeswher soldier killed in Afghanistan, two opponents to the war in Afghanistan.
The programme dealt with the 9/11 attack and the role of German soldiers fighting in Afghanistan.
Earlier in the week the programme commissioned a survey on what Germans think of the Bundeswehr commitment in Afghanistan.
According to the survey two thirds of Germans would like to see an immediate withdrawal of their troops from Afghanistan.
Up to now Guenther Jauch has worked with RTL and been more associated with light entertainment.
The programme begins at 20.45 Irish time Sunday evenings.
The first show made for great viewing.
The panel included a former defence minister, the CEO of Springer publishing house, the mother of a Bundeswher soldier killed in Afghanistan, two opponents to the war in Afghanistan.
The programme dealt with the 9/11 attack and the role of German soldiers fighting in Afghanistan.
Earlier in the week the programme commissioned a survey on what Germans think of the Bundeswehr commitment in Afghanistan.
According to the survey two thirds of Germans would like to see an immediate withdrawal of their troops from Afghanistan.
Up to now Guenther Jauch has worked with RTL and been more associated with light entertainment.
The programme begins at 20.45 Irish time Sunday evenings.
Saturday, September 10, 2011
Hidebound ideas might be getting unstuck
Rumour going about that the new Roman missal is being recalled due to binding problems.
If the rumour is true, there is a great irony to it. It's funny.
If the rumour is true, there is a great irony to it. It's funny.
So much of the problem is about what's not said
Today's Irish Times tells an interesting story about the position of the Catholic Church in Ireland.
On page eight Patsy McGarry writes on the tardiness of the church to play a significant and trusting role in its response to the diocesan reports.
On page 10 Breda O'Brien criticises the Taoiseach for his Dail speech.
Breda O'Brien quotes a taxi driveer: "Well, you can prove anything with facts..."
Great quote in the context.
As someone who has been 'hanging about' inside the instiutional church for close to 40 years, anyone who says anything about the church has to realise it's what the church does not say that is always significant.
Within the hierarchical church there is a mindset that is almost impossible to explain.
It might be like any mindset that has been in a position of privilege and control for generation after generation. And far too many good people succumb to the comfort zone of such a mindset.
In many ways it is difficult to articulate the reality but all the time it seems most of the commentators have very little awareness of such a mindset.
An idea might be for an agency to do an audit of the Irish church - a universal audit, not just of financial significance.
On page eight Patsy McGarry writes on the tardiness of the church to play a significant and trusting role in its response to the diocesan reports.
On page 10 Breda O'Brien criticises the Taoiseach for his Dail speech.
Breda O'Brien quotes a taxi driveer: "Well, you can prove anything with facts..."
Great quote in the context.
As someone who has been 'hanging about' inside the instiutional church for close to 40 years, anyone who says anything about the church has to realise it's what the church does not say that is always significant.
Within the hierarchical church there is a mindset that is almost impossible to explain.
It might be like any mindset that has been in a position of privilege and control for generation after generation. And far too many good people succumb to the comfort zone of such a mindset.
In many ways it is difficult to articulate the reality but all the time it seems most of the commentators have very little awareness of such a mindset.
An idea might be for an agency to do an audit of the Irish church - a universal audit, not just of financial significance.
Thursday, September 8, 2011
Parochial news for an insular media
An Irish media outlet reported that the Karlsruhe judgement concerning Bundestag bailouts was 'tight'.
The ruling was a seven to one judgement.
It seems there is not a word in any Irish media outlet on Tuesday's gas turn on near Greifswald. The event is of major European economic importance.
And very little reporting on the priest who has won his paternity case. This is a major news story.
Instead we read in all our newspapers about three Irish woman on holiday in Portugal who are robbed.
The ruling was a seven to one judgement.
It seems there is not a word in any Irish media outlet on Tuesday's gas turn on near Greifswald. The event is of major European economic importance.
And very little reporting on the priest who has won his paternity case. This is a major news story.
Instead we read in all our newspapers about three Irish woman on holiday in Portugal who are robbed.
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
Paternity test clears priest of RTE accusation
Earlier this year an RTE Prime Time Investigates programme accused Fr Kevin Reynolds, a Mill Hill priest, of statutory rape by fathering a child with an underage Kenyan girl.
Fr Reynolds has undergone a paternity test, which has proved negative.
This man's reputation has been destroyed.
Ireland's national broadcaster, RTE, has done the man grave harm.
In May he agreed to step down from his ministry in the parish of Ahascragh in Co Galway, while the allegations against him were being investigated.
Of course this is a shocking story and RTE has done the man a terrible wrong.
Did his religious congregation simply go along with what RTE said and 'disown' the man?
A spoksman for Mill Hill said that their investigation was still continuing.
Houston, we have a problem.
Fr Reynolds has undergone a paternity test, which has proved negative.
This man's reputation has been destroyed.
Ireland's national broadcaster, RTE, has done the man grave harm.
In May he agreed to step down from his ministry in the parish of Ahascragh in Co Galway, while the allegations against him were being investigated.
Of course this is a shocking story and RTE has done the man a terrible wrong.
Did his religious congregation simply go along with what RTE said and 'disown' the man?
A spoksman for Mill Hill said that their investigation was still continuing.
Houston, we have a problem.
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
From Russia with gas and all under the sea
Russian Prime Minister Wladimir Putin turned the tap today on the new gas pipeline which flows under the Baltic Sea.
The pipe delivers gas directly from Russian oil fields to Germany. The gas comes ashore near Greifswald, which was once in the territory of the former GDR.
The pipe is 1,224 kilometres long and cost €8.8 billion to build.
Both historically and economically, it is a most significant day in the history of both countries.
The pipe delivers gas directly from Russian oil fields to Germany. The gas comes ashore near Greifswald, which was once in the territory of the former GDR.
The pipe is 1,224 kilometres long and cost €8.8 billion to build.
Both historically and economically, it is a most significant day in the history of both countries.
Monday, September 5, 2011
Austrian priests might offer some hope
The current 'dispute/uprising/revolution' taking place among the clergy in Austria shows hopeful signs.
Forget about the issues at stake, but maybe the hope is that priesthood might actually be capable of telling the truth and being open and honest. It might mean priesthood has the ability to stop talking out of both sides of its collective mouth at the same time.
There is a profound dishonesty in priesthood. It is almost incapable of speaking the truth and acting the truth. And this leaves men in a extraordinary dysfunctional state.
Something might at last be about to happen. Small steps, hope. Is it really possible that glimpses of truth and real words with meaning might come about.
The bluff, the nonsense, the deceipt, the holy ridiculous words from pulpits cannot go on and on.
I know an old kind good priest who is now retired. He lived a noble.life. His bishop has never ever picked up the telephones to say hello, thank you, like a cup of tea.
When does priesthood ever really make any effort to live the Gospel in parishes and communities. Today a man said to me re a priest, 'he's there, he says Mass, he has never once said hello to me'.
We really are a laughing stock and so full of humbug.
Forget about the issues at stake, but maybe the hope is that priesthood might actually be capable of telling the truth and being open and honest. It might mean priesthood has the ability to stop talking out of both sides of its collective mouth at the same time.
There is a profound dishonesty in priesthood. It is almost incapable of speaking the truth and acting the truth. And this leaves men in a extraordinary dysfunctional state.
Something might at last be about to happen. Small steps, hope. Is it really possible that glimpses of truth and real words with meaning might come about.
The bluff, the nonsense, the deceipt, the holy ridiculous words from pulpits cannot go on and on.
I know an old kind good priest who is now retired. He lived a noble.life. His bishop has never ever picked up the telephones to say hello, thank you, like a cup of tea.
When does priesthood ever really make any effort to live the Gospel in parishes and communities. Today a man said to me re a priest, 'he's there, he says Mass, he has never once said hello to me'.
We really are a laughing stock and so full of humbug.
Sunday, September 4, 2011
Frank Duff did extraordinary things
The book review below appears in today's 'Sunday Business Post'
By Michael Commane
Finola Kennedy's 'Frank Duff - A Life Story’’ opened my eyes to an inspirational man.
Frank Duff founded the Legion of Mary in 1921 Today's Ireland might well look on that organisation as an old-fashioned, unusual sort of pious grouping, which sells holy books and prays the Rosary.
This man did extraordinary things, thought out amazing projects and was light years ahead of his time.
Referring to the role of women when the Legion began in Africa Duff said: “The status of women was altogether depressed at the time. It was generally held that women should have no public life, and in fact should not open their mouths in mixed assemblies. Note this: immediately after the start of the Legion, the male members brought in the women. Then the women gravitated into officerships." Frank Duff wrote this memo to the Jesuits in 1934.
It's to my shame that I knew nothing about Frank Duff before reading Finola Kennedy's story of a man, who in 1968 said: "It is sheer folly for the white race to take up an attitude of superiority towards the others because in fact they are not superior.”
His Legion hostels came about in the face of grinding poverty and neglect in Dublin. He stressed the importance of mixing prayer and action.
He was, in many ways, a child of his time and so he gave full and total loyalty to those in charge in the Catholic Church. Nevertheless he had the vision and sense to challenge Dublin archbishops Byrne and McQuaid.
Archbishop Edward Byrne simply did not understand Duff and he was unable to see outside the clerical world. He made it difficult for Duff, as did his successor, John Charles McQuaid, in the early years. Both men refused to allow Mass to be said in Legion hostels and simply had little or no faith that those who were not priests could be involved in an intelligent way in Catholic action.
For whatever reason, whether out of fear, obedience or even faith, Duff was at all times loyal to the man in Drumcondra.
One of the first things Dermot Ryan did when he was appointed archbishop in Dublin in 1972 was to apologise to Frank Duff for how he had been treated in the past by his predecessors.
Duff's abhorrence of industrial schools makes him of course most relevant today. He was opposed to unmarried mothers being separated from their children and argued that if the church was so opposed to abortion so too must it object to babies being taken from their mothers.
He was one of the brightest of his generation as a schoolboy in Blackrock College and later he proved his intelligence and diligence as a civil servant. He retired as an Assistant Principal Officer in his 40s to concentrate on Legion of Mary work
He was close to senior civil servants and politicians, including the Secretary of the Department of Finance, Maurice Moynihan whose brother Anselm was a Dominican.
There are threads through his life, which crop up in the book, which led me to have a special interested in the man.
He was a life-long cyclist. His first Irish teacher was a German. He knew many Dominicans and enjoyed Dominican hospitality. I'm cycling 57 years, teach German and happen to be a Dominican.
Duff attended the Second Vatican Council as an auditor and for all 97 days of his Roman sojourn stayed with the Irish Dominicans in San Clemente.
It is through the influence of WT Cosgrave that Duff gets to have his say at the Vatican.
Today the Legion of Mary continues its work on all five continents with four million members.
It is still active in Ireland but it is well under the radar of fashion and celebrity status
The author suggests that his success was linked to his perseverance, maybe stubbornness, something that in old age did him few favours in propelling the organisation into a very different world than the world he was born into on June 7, 1889
Finola Kennedy opened for this reader a treasure that could so easily have been missed.
It was Duff’s claim that: “We are all called to be saints.”
By Michael Commane
Finola Kennedy's 'Frank Duff - A Life Story’’ opened my eyes to an inspirational man.
Frank Duff founded the Legion of Mary in 1921 Today's Ireland might well look on that organisation as an old-fashioned, unusual sort of pious grouping, which sells holy books and prays the Rosary.
This man did extraordinary things, thought out amazing projects and was light years ahead of his time.
Referring to the role of women when the Legion began in Africa Duff said: “The status of women was altogether depressed at the time. It was generally held that women should have no public life, and in fact should not open their mouths in mixed assemblies. Note this: immediately after the start of the Legion, the male members brought in the women. Then the women gravitated into officerships." Frank Duff wrote this memo to the Jesuits in 1934.
It's to my shame that I knew nothing about Frank Duff before reading Finola Kennedy's story of a man, who in 1968 said: "It is sheer folly for the white race to take up an attitude of superiority towards the others because in fact they are not superior.”
His Legion hostels came about in the face of grinding poverty and neglect in Dublin. He stressed the importance of mixing prayer and action.
He was, in many ways, a child of his time and so he gave full and total loyalty to those in charge in the Catholic Church. Nevertheless he had the vision and sense to challenge Dublin archbishops Byrne and McQuaid.
Archbishop Edward Byrne simply did not understand Duff and he was unable to see outside the clerical world. He made it difficult for Duff, as did his successor, John Charles McQuaid, in the early years. Both men refused to allow Mass to be said in Legion hostels and simply had little or no faith that those who were not priests could be involved in an intelligent way in Catholic action.
For whatever reason, whether out of fear, obedience or even faith, Duff was at all times loyal to the man in Drumcondra.
One of the first things Dermot Ryan did when he was appointed archbishop in Dublin in 1972 was to apologise to Frank Duff for how he had been treated in the past by his predecessors.
Duff's abhorrence of industrial schools makes him of course most relevant today. He was opposed to unmarried mothers being separated from their children and argued that if the church was so opposed to abortion so too must it object to babies being taken from their mothers.
He was one of the brightest of his generation as a schoolboy in Blackrock College and later he proved his intelligence and diligence as a civil servant. He retired as an Assistant Principal Officer in his 40s to concentrate on Legion of Mary work
He was close to senior civil servants and politicians, including the Secretary of the Department of Finance, Maurice Moynihan whose brother Anselm was a Dominican.
There are threads through his life, which crop up in the book, which led me to have a special interested in the man.
He was a life-long cyclist. His first Irish teacher was a German. He knew many Dominicans and enjoyed Dominican hospitality. I'm cycling 57 years, teach German and happen to be a Dominican.
Duff attended the Second Vatican Council as an auditor and for all 97 days of his Roman sojourn stayed with the Irish Dominicans in San Clemente.
It is through the influence of WT Cosgrave that Duff gets to have his say at the Vatican.
Today the Legion of Mary continues its work on all five continents with four million members.
It is still active in Ireland but it is well under the radar of fashion and celebrity status
The author suggests that his success was linked to his perseverance, maybe stubbornness, something that in old age did him few favours in propelling the organisation into a very different world than the world he was born into on June 7, 1889
Finola Kennedy opened for this reader a treasure that could so easily have been missed.
It was Duff’s claim that: “We are all called to be saints.”
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Neither bishop nor priest has exclusive rights on God
The column below appears in this week's IN&M regional newspapers in Ireland.
By Michael Commane
A sermon given by the bishop of Raphoe Philip Boyce at Knock received some coverage in the media last week.
It was reported that Dr Boyce referred to a godless and secular society.
The bishop is reported to have said that the Catholic Church is experiencing a testing time, having been rocked by the barbs of a ‘secular and godless culture’ on the outside and the ‘sins and crimes of priests’ within.
I did not see the entire sermon, so maybe I am at a disadvantage, but in what is reported there is no mention whatsoever of the monumental cover-up that the church perpetrated. It is that cover-up that has made people so angry and even mad. And understandably too.
Bishop Boyce talks about the ‘sins of priests’, it is unfortunate there is not a word about the sins of bishops and their cover-up.
Reading the report of the sermon in the newspaper one would get the impression that the institutional church is being attacked by a godless world and a more godless media.
It would be interesting to ask Dr Boyce who is the church. Surely the man realises that all of us who have been baptised are church and so many of those baptised in Ireland are right now feeling great anger with their church.
Essential to an open and healthy democracy is a free media.
Newspapers, television and radio are messengers and if they tell falsehoods then one has the right to sue. Every one of us is entitled to our good name and no media can damage that in a democracy and get away with it.
What exactly is a “godless culture and a secular society”?
I don’t for a minute believe I am living in a ‘godless culture’. Of course I see and experience nasty things. People can do terrible and wrong things. But people also do great things.
Hitler’s Germany and Stalin’s Soviet Union tried to develop godless cultures but to talk about modern Ireland being a “godless culture” is crazy and in many ways devious, nasty too. It’s alarmist and in some ways playing to a particular gallery.
May I tell you a story that might throw some light on what I am saying?
A former work colleague of mine, who was baptised and grew up in the Catholic faith now sees the panoply of Irish Catholicism as an irrelevancy for him. Sometimes he gets angry, especially when a new scandal surfaces.
For the last three years I have been parking my car outside his house and every Thursday evening on my arrival back in the town he kindly has the car waiting for me at the rail station.
He does it with a smile. Every now and again I give him a bottle of wine for his kindness. I certainly feel respected by the man and there certainly is a fellowship, a camaraderie between us. I’d even go as far as saying it in some ways imitates or suggests the presence of God in both our lives.
I leave my car outside that man’s house because I was refused entry to the garden of a religious community with which I have links.
Not in a million years would I expect anyone in that house to leave my car for me at the rail station.It would never even cross their minds.
When Bishop Boyce preaches about a ‘godless culture’ I really wonder what he means.
Was he simply talking about people who share different views than he, people who feel alienated from an institutional church that really does not get the message?
Frank Duff, the founder of the Legion of Mary said that, “We are all called to be saints”.
Priests and bishops certainly have no exclusive rights on the mystery and wonder of God. And it is about time they took that reality on board.
It is extremely dangerous language to talk about a ‘godless culture’.
I for one find it disrespectful and unhelpful.
The presence of God is to be seen all around us. It is our privilege to help bring about God’s presence in all its challenging manifestations.
By Michael Commane
A sermon given by the bishop of Raphoe Philip Boyce at Knock received some coverage in the media last week.
It was reported that Dr Boyce referred to a godless and secular society.
The bishop is reported to have said that the Catholic Church is experiencing a testing time, having been rocked by the barbs of a ‘secular and godless culture’ on the outside and the ‘sins and crimes of priests’ within.
I did not see the entire sermon, so maybe I am at a disadvantage, but in what is reported there is no mention whatsoever of the monumental cover-up that the church perpetrated. It is that cover-up that has made people so angry and even mad. And understandably too.
Bishop Boyce talks about the ‘sins of priests’, it is unfortunate there is not a word about the sins of bishops and their cover-up.
Reading the report of the sermon in the newspaper one would get the impression that the institutional church is being attacked by a godless world and a more godless media.
It would be interesting to ask Dr Boyce who is the church. Surely the man realises that all of us who have been baptised are church and so many of those baptised in Ireland are right now feeling great anger with their church.
Essential to an open and healthy democracy is a free media.
Newspapers, television and radio are messengers and if they tell falsehoods then one has the right to sue. Every one of us is entitled to our good name and no media can damage that in a democracy and get away with it.
What exactly is a “godless culture and a secular society”?
I don’t for a minute believe I am living in a ‘godless culture’. Of course I see and experience nasty things. People can do terrible and wrong things. But people also do great things.
Hitler’s Germany and Stalin’s Soviet Union tried to develop godless cultures but to talk about modern Ireland being a “godless culture” is crazy and in many ways devious, nasty too. It’s alarmist and in some ways playing to a particular gallery.
May I tell you a story that might throw some light on what I am saying?
A former work colleague of mine, who was baptised and grew up in the Catholic faith now sees the panoply of Irish Catholicism as an irrelevancy for him. Sometimes he gets angry, especially when a new scandal surfaces.
For the last three years I have been parking my car outside his house and every Thursday evening on my arrival back in the town he kindly has the car waiting for me at the rail station.
He does it with a smile. Every now and again I give him a bottle of wine for his kindness. I certainly feel respected by the man and there certainly is a fellowship, a camaraderie between us. I’d even go as far as saying it in some ways imitates or suggests the presence of God in both our lives.
I leave my car outside that man’s house because I was refused entry to the garden of a religious community with which I have links.
Not in a million years would I expect anyone in that house to leave my car for me at the rail station.It would never even cross their minds.
When Bishop Boyce preaches about a ‘godless culture’ I really wonder what he means.
Was he simply talking about people who share different views than he, people who feel alienated from an institutional church that really does not get the message?
Frank Duff, the founder of the Legion of Mary said that, “We are all called to be saints”.
Priests and bishops certainly have no exclusive rights on the mystery and wonder of God. And it is about time they took that reality on board.
It is extremely dangerous language to talk about a ‘godless culture’.
I for one find it disrespectful and unhelpful.
The presence of God is to be seen all around us. It is our privilege to help bring about God’s presence in all its challenging manifestations.
Thursday, August 25, 2011
Run Luas link over Grand Canal
Dublin Bus estimates that 85 per cent of its 117 million passenger journeys per year could be subject to delays of up to 10 minutes, particularly on cross-city routes, if the Luas city centre link goes ahead.
The Railway Procurement Agency has put forward plans to join the red and green lines through the city centre.
Why not join the two lines with an overhead rail between Charlemont Bridge and Inchicore, running over the Grand Canal. It could be a great feature too.
The Railway Procurement Agency has put forward plans to join the red and green lines through the city centre.
Why not join the two lines with an overhead rail between Charlemont Bridge and Inchicore, running over the Grand Canal. It could be a great feature too.
Bishop launches broadside on 'secular arrows'
In today's Irish Times Bishop of Raphone Philip Boyce is reported to have said that: "the church is attacked from outside by the arrows of a secular and godless culture, rocked from the inside by the sins and crimes of priests and consecrated people".
Bishop Boyce mentions nothing about the sins of bishops.
Does Bishop Boyce not realise that had the 'secular and godless culture' not exposed all that we have heard and read, we might well still be back in the 'golden age' when priests felt untouchable.
These words of Dr Boyce as reported in today's Irish Times are not helpful in any discussion in discovering the truth.
It does not at all follow that a secular world is firing 'arrows' at the church. It might well have reason to fire arrows at the institutional church and many of its bishops.
Bishop Boyce has to know about the privileged position bishops and priests held in Ireland in the past and indeed still hold.
Bishop Boyce has to know about all that was shovelled under the carpet for years upon years.
Did Bishop Boyce ever speak out in the 'good old days' in the name of truth and Gospel values?
Bishop Boyce's comments as reported in today's Irish Times are glib and indeed inaccurate.
Bishop Boyce mentions nothing about the sins of bishops.
Does Bishop Boyce not realise that had the 'secular and godless culture' not exposed all that we have heard and read, we might well still be back in the 'golden age' when priests felt untouchable.
These words of Dr Boyce as reported in today's Irish Times are not helpful in any discussion in discovering the truth.
It does not at all follow that a secular world is firing 'arrows' at the church. It might well have reason to fire arrows at the institutional church and many of its bishops.
Bishop Boyce has to know about the privileged position bishops and priests held in Ireland in the past and indeed still hold.
Bishop Boyce has to know about all that was shovelled under the carpet for years upon years.
Did Bishop Boyce ever speak out in the 'good old days' in the name of truth and Gospel values?
Bishop Boyce's comments as reported in today's Irish Times are glib and indeed inaccurate.
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Neglect never ever works
This piece appears in this week's INM regional newspapers in Ireland.
By Michael Commane
Most of us have experienced the pain of a bad toothache; how awful it can
be.
Neglect your teeth and as sure as day follows night, will come terrible
pain: gum, eye, ear, the face itself. The only cure? Go to the dentist. In
future? Lesson learned. Look after those teeth.
The London riots and much of the subsequent commentary reminded me of the
toothache-and-the-dentist analogy. Neglect at your peril.
Anything that is neglected runs riot on us. In this case, literally. But
when it is our fellow human beings who are, themselves, neglected anything
is liable to happen.
Yes, the rioters in the UK behaved as thugs. Of course, goodness and badness
exist. But, surely, we as responsible human beings can play that vital role
in making sure that people feel cherished, respected. And yes, loved. In our
imperfect world, surely we can see to it that goodness gets its chance to
prevail?
Tomorrow, visit any maternity hospital in Ireland. Call on the new mothers.
Examine their charts, check their backgrounds, lifestyles. Immediately, the
odds would be clear on what their new sons or daughters would be doing 20
years from now.
Of course there is freedom and individual choice and responsibility but our
environment and background play an enormous role in shaping us. Our families
and schools can make or break us.
It is not a question of throwing money at people but one of treating them
with respect and dignity. That is the message of the Gospel. Love one
another. It’s a difficult message with clear opportunity.
Brute force, curfews, zero tolerance and more time in more prisons will
never ever solve the problem. They are the reflex response. The quick fix
demanded and provided. But they are simply a response. They are not a
solution.
On Saturday I had my own brush with this zero-tolerance mindset when I
called to a Dominican friend. We had planned to have lunch together after
Mass, but a young woman called and asked him for help. He responded
immediately. Feeding her, listening to her, driving her to a hostel. On the
way, he discovered his mobile phone was missing. He asked her if she had
seen it to which she replied, no.
Later I sent a text to the phone. Within minutes a man called back: he had
the phone and would return it. Relief. All contacts saved! A few minutes
later I met him on the street accompanied by the young woman and another
woman. The only chance of getting the phone back? I had to pay.
Unwillingly, I called my friend, the phone owner, to the scene. After some
negotiation, 20 euro secured the return of the phone.
It was a real rollercoaster of kindness, nastiness, apparent sorrow,
conniving and deviousness. But it’s life. And by the looks of it, those
three were experiencing a tough life. It was certain they had not been to
school at Clongowes or Glenstal. They had probably left school at 12 or 13.
Even if I had had the urge to use a ‘different approach’ with them it would
have served no purpose. The damage had long been done.
Interestingly, that same week, a friend left his phone in an exclusive cafe.
A haven for what my friend, a mother herself, calls the Yummier Mummies. He
tried the number. The phone was answered by a well-spoken woman. Again
relief! Yes, of course, he could have it back. Just meet her in
such-and-such a car-park. But there was the little matter of 50 euro. Phone
and cash exchanged. She drove off in her jeep. Greed and opportunism. Pure
and simple. Here, every privilege. No excuse.
Neglect. As sure as there is a sky over us, those three sad people I met
have never experienced the nurturing, the love, the respect that we human
beings deserve. And because they have not, we are all - and will be - the
less for it.
By Michael Commane
Most of us have experienced the pain of a bad toothache; how awful it can
be.
Neglect your teeth and as sure as day follows night, will come terrible
pain: gum, eye, ear, the face itself. The only cure? Go to the dentist. In
future? Lesson learned. Look after those teeth.
The London riots and much of the subsequent commentary reminded me of the
toothache-and-the-dentist analogy. Neglect at your peril.
Anything that is neglected runs riot on us. In this case, literally. But
when it is our fellow human beings who are, themselves, neglected anything
is liable to happen.
Yes, the rioters in the UK behaved as thugs. Of course, goodness and badness
exist. But, surely, we as responsible human beings can play that vital role
in making sure that people feel cherished, respected. And yes, loved. In our
imperfect world, surely we can see to it that goodness gets its chance to
prevail?
Tomorrow, visit any maternity hospital in Ireland. Call on the new mothers.
Examine their charts, check their backgrounds, lifestyles. Immediately, the
odds would be clear on what their new sons or daughters would be doing 20
years from now.
Of course there is freedom and individual choice and responsibility but our
environment and background play an enormous role in shaping us. Our families
and schools can make or break us.
It is not a question of throwing money at people but one of treating them
with respect and dignity. That is the message of the Gospel. Love one
another. It’s a difficult message with clear opportunity.
Brute force, curfews, zero tolerance and more time in more prisons will
never ever solve the problem. They are the reflex response. The quick fix
demanded and provided. But they are simply a response. They are not a
solution.
On Saturday I had my own brush with this zero-tolerance mindset when I
called to a Dominican friend. We had planned to have lunch together after
Mass, but a young woman called and asked him for help. He responded
immediately. Feeding her, listening to her, driving her to a hostel. On the
way, he discovered his mobile phone was missing. He asked her if she had
seen it to which she replied, no.
Later I sent a text to the phone. Within minutes a man called back: he had
the phone and would return it. Relief. All contacts saved! A few minutes
later I met him on the street accompanied by the young woman and another
woman. The only chance of getting the phone back? I had to pay.
Unwillingly, I called my friend, the phone owner, to the scene. After some
negotiation, 20 euro secured the return of the phone.
It was a real rollercoaster of kindness, nastiness, apparent sorrow,
conniving and deviousness. But it’s life. And by the looks of it, those
three were experiencing a tough life. It was certain they had not been to
school at Clongowes or Glenstal. They had probably left school at 12 or 13.
Even if I had had the urge to use a ‘different approach’ with them it would
have served no purpose. The damage had long been done.
Interestingly, that same week, a friend left his phone in an exclusive cafe.
A haven for what my friend, a mother herself, calls the Yummier Mummies. He
tried the number. The phone was answered by a well-spoken woman. Again
relief! Yes, of course, he could have it back. Just meet her in
such-and-such a car-park. But there was the little matter of 50 euro. Phone
and cash exchanged. She drove off in her jeep. Greed and opportunism. Pure
and simple. Here, every privilege. No excuse.
Neglect. As sure as there is a sky over us, those three sad people I met
have never experienced the nurturing, the love, the respect that we human
beings deserve. And because they have not, we are all - and will be - the
less for it.
Frank Duff life story
Any readers of this blog comments on Finola Kennedy's 'Frank Duff'? If so, much appreciated if this blogger could have them.
Ulick O'Connor in his review of it in 'The Sunday Independent' made reference to Archbishop Ryan not allowing Mass to be celebrated in Legion of Mary hostels.
Presumably Ulick O'Connor has got that wrong as Archbishop Ryan offered a full apology to Frank Duff.
John C McQuaid was the offending prelate.
Frank Duff's 1930s Ireland was a different Ireland to where we are now.
Ulick O'Connor in his review of it in 'The Sunday Independent' made reference to Archbishop Ryan not allowing Mass to be celebrated in Legion of Mary hostels.
Presumably Ulick O'Connor has got that wrong as Archbishop Ryan offered a full apology to Frank Duff.
John C McQuaid was the offending prelate.
Frank Duff's 1930s Ireland was a different Ireland to where we are now.
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