Baptism is a non-negotiable gift
Dear Editor, it is with shock and incredulity that I heard that Mary McAleese made a broadside on infant baptism.
Baptism has been described as a gift that takes a lifetime to unwrap.
I find it tragic that a woman of her standing, intelligence, and qualifications could conclude her adult faith formation in this way.
Baptism, Eucharist, and Resurrection are non-negotiable mysteries of the incarnation of our Redeemer yesterday, today, tomorrow, and eternity in accordance with the Faith revealed in the Scriptures.
Also, the encounter with the two disciples on the road to Emmaus triggered a Faith explosion via the Cosmic Risen Glorified Lord and the ultimate destination of God’s beloved little blue planet.
Yours etc,
Philip John Griffin, Catechist
Balbriggan, Co. Dublin
Trump made the USA the enemy
Dear Editor, I have been – and remain – a life-long and committed advocate of the common values that once defined USA – and which I see as also defining Europe.
But as Health Sec Kennedy now tries to interfere in German Sovereign Health Policy, as President Trump threatens Greenland, and turns the ousting of the tyrant Maduro into an opportunity to grab Venezuelan Oil, as well as shows such sympathy for the aggressor Putin but publicly attacks President Zelensky – and on December 5, 2025 issued a new National Security Strategy which virtually ends the historic Atlantic Alliance, I have really had enough.
Lets hope US Ambassador Walsh, rightly proud of his Co. Clare ancestors from Callaghans Mills, informs State Dept in DC that they have now lost – maybe forever – those like myself – who once greatly admired USA and all it stood for – because under Trump, USA has tragically made itself the enemy of all that I – and the vast majority across Europe – really cherish – indeed the ICE murder of Rene Good is yet another horrific proof of what now drives their once-great land.
Yours etc,
Tom Carew
Ranelagh, Dublin 6
The holy name of Jesus
Dear Editor, some years ago, Fr Kevin Scallon RIP (of blessed and happy memory) shared a story of a famous friend musician who was touring Germany with his band. The musician was waiting for a taxi outside the hotel where he was staying. And a German man walked up to him and said, “You must be from Ireland, are you? “ And he replied, “Yes, how did you know?” The German replied, “Only the Irish abuse the holy name of Jesus the way you have been doing.” And with that, the German walked away.
In two recent conversations, I had to gently remind two Irish men that they only use the name of Jesus when they are praying. They took no offence. But it is not only the Irish who profane the name of the Lord or call on God to witness their lies. In the Our Father Prayer and the petition ‘Hallowed by thy name,’ through which the holiness of the Lord saves and sanctifies, Chrysologus reminds us, “It is this name that gives salvation to a lost world.” But we petition that this name should be hallowed in us, through our words and example, but especially through the use of our tongue.
Yours etc,
David Walsh
Malahide, Co. Dublin
Spreading the truth
Dear Editor, what a brilliant editorial publication (IC, January 15) responding to Mary McAleese recent Irish Times article regarding Baptism and the issues she raised about the baptism of infants, and of children being asked to renew their baptismal promises.
You responded to and tackled it brilliantly. Your article should be forwarded to every Bishop in the country, who collectively should do the same to all the priests in his Diocese. The Bishops should jointly decide a Sunday on which every priest will speak on the matter, so no matter where any practising Catholic attends Mass that weekend, the same message will be delivered about this most important topic.
Your article highlights the need for a publication such as The Irish Catholic, to highlight and correct such misleading and wrong information, no matter where it comes from. Unfortunately, your paper is no longer available in every church. I can get mine in Eason in Dun Laoghaire, and in another newspaper shop, but St Joseph’s Church, Glasthule and St Michael’s Church, Dun Laoghaire don’t sell it anymore.
Yours etc,
Robert Thomas
Dun Laoghaire
How many of us felt this way?
Dear Editor, I listened to a podcast interview of a wonderful Christian lady who had been through a great many hardships in life. From childhood traumas to difficult pregnancies and debilitating illnesses for much of her life, her faith was surely tested to its limit, but not without purpose.
Once, she cried out to God for help in prayer and received in her heart an insight that “the storms reveal the lies we believe and the truths we need”. From here, she asked what lies did she believe and it was revealed to her that although she was a solid, long-standing believer, she believed that God would not or had not come through for her; that the devil could attack her anytime without hindrance. And perhaps God did not love her much. How many of us have felt as she did?
As the Holy Spirit ministered to her broken heart, she received that she had no idea just how many times He had come through for her, how many disasters, attacks or hardships He had prevented in her life or how much He had provided for her and how much He loved her. Against a backdrop of so much suffering a further consolation was that “I will not let you lose, but I must let you fight.”
Our lives are a process, a journey, and to fulfil our mission we must be trained, like soldiers training for battle: to suffer and endure, to be transformed into His likeness and to be a light to others. Her witness now as a bestselling author, public speaker and radio show host is a powerful testimony of the grace of God, and her trust in Him reflects His faithfulness and the intimacy between them.
Yours etc,
Stephen Clark
Manila, Philippines
Baptismal ‘injustice’
Dear Editor, your strong editorial (January 26) conveyed a powerful rebuttal to yet another tired attempt of Mary McAleese to appear relevant in theological matters. One really has to agree with the snippet of Breda O’Brien’s piece on page 6, which she used to convey the thinking of the lapis: They are the most miserable, with the lowest levels of happiness and meaning; sentiments easily applied to the ex-president. God help her!
Yours etc,
Fr John McCallion, CC
Coalisland, Co. Tyrone
Why we need better alternatives, not further liberalisation of abortion
Dear Editor, On January 12, I tabled a motion at Cork City Council welcoming the Dáil’s narrow rejection (73–71) of proposals to allow abortion on request up to viability and remove the three-day waiting period. Further, the motion called for meaningful supports—financial aid, housing, childcare, counselling—and a cultural shift to ensure every baby is truly cherished and welcome.
This was rooted in constituent feedback: many are disturbed by rising abortion numbers—over 47,000 since 2019, with a record 10,852 in 2024—after assurances it would be “safe, legal and rare”.
I want to emphasise that my advocacy for better support implies no moral failure on the part of women facing crisis pregnancies who choose abortion. Many decide under immense pressures—financial, housing, emotional—often feeling they have no real alternatives. My focus is on removing those pressures so every woman feels empowered to continue her pregnancy. Nor do I sense a judgmental attitude from constituents raising these concerns.
What is striking is that highlighting rising numbers often draws strong criticism, as though discussion is only permitted when it favours further liberalisation. This can stifle open conversation on real impacts for women, families, and society.
The debate was passionate. Supporters included Independent Ireland’s Cllr Noel O’Flynn, Independent Cllr Paudie Dineen, and Fianna Fáil’s Cllr Terry Shannon. Opposition was vociferous and cross-party, with strong language—including terms like paternalistic, misogynistic, culture-war baiter, and anti-women’s rights—directed at the motion. The welcome of the Dáil outcome appeared to be the real point of contention.
Broader HSE data adds perspective: over 10,000 women since 2019 did not return for a second appointment after the mandatory three-day wait (e.g., 2,200 in 2024 alone, a 17.4% rate). This suggests the reflection period gives time to consider alternatives—something worth preserving.
We must also recognise a biological reality: roughly half of aborted unborn children are female. As someone committed to equality and women’s rights, I believe these girls deserve the chance of life. While sex-selective abortion is not yet widespread here, global patterns (e.g., estimates of millions of missing female births due to son preference) show the risks a more permissive regime could introduce.
To my knowledge, this important Cork City Council debate received no coverage from the city’s main newspapers or radio stations, despite the Dáil vote’s national attention. Cork voters deserve transparency and to know where their representatives stand on support for women and the direction of our laws and culture.
We must keep asking: how can we best support women in crisis pregnancies so they feel they have real choices? Rising numbers suggest the promise of “safe, legal and rare” has not materialised. The debate deserved wider attention—not as a culture-war flashpoint, but as a serious discussion about practical help, reflection time, and a society that cherishes both women and their unborn children.
Yours etc,
Cllr Albert Deasy
Cork City South West
