The article featured below, written by Dr Ruairi Hanley of Ireland, appears to look like an oasis in the desert of anti-Catholic sentiment among the loud-mouthed segment of Irish society. His point is clear to those outside of the frenzy. But his message can easily get lost in Ireland these days. Anyhow, upon reading his article, I'm reminded of the Religious Sisters of Mercy, an Ireland-based congregation of nuns that operate in the Philippines. I owe a significant portion of my high school years with them. In fact, I would credit the RSMs for my healthy understanding of the Catholic Church and the Catechism. Today, Irish society appears ready to throw away what these nuns represents. I pray for Ireland.
Dr. Ruairi Hanley writes: I fully accept that a small minority of Irish clergy were vicious, depraved perverts, and that the Catholic Church handled this disgracefully and, in some cases, attempted to obstruct the course of justice is also an indisputable fact. Those involved must be punished to the letter of the law and fair compensation should be paid to victims, all of whom have my deepest sympathy.
However, I cannot escape the feeling that, in recent coverage of these events, a serious injustice has been done to the vast majority of Irish Catholics. I firmly believe that, in spite of their failings, the religious orders have been overwhelmingly a force for good, both in this country and overseas. I have highlighted in the past the wonderful contribution that the clergy once made to the running of our hospitals, one that contrasts markedly with the modern incompetence of the HSE.
I also believe we should celebrate those priests and nuns who have served in the missions. These magnificent people have brought, and continue to bring, health and education to tens of thousands of the most vulnerable people in the world. They have not done so for financial reward nor celebrity-style fame, but through a genuine Christian faith and a desire to help others.
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