Several weeks prior, my youngest daughter took part in her inaugural communion. For an individual largely sceptical of religion such as myself, this revelation could provoke reaction, inciting charges of duplicity and Fickle Faith Catholicism. Oddly enough, those that advocate strictly for the most conservative version of Catholicism tend to be those who don’t identify as Catholic.
This doesn’t negate the serious issues surrounding the Catholic Church’s prevailing dominance over our primary education system and the incorporation of Catholic ceremonies into daily schooling. A considerable number of parents are perturbed by this situation, though evidently not sufficient in number to drive any transformation.
Part of this could be attributed to the flexible interpretation of these ceremonies. Similar to a verse or a tune, individuals can ascribe their own significance to a Catholic ceremony, often disregarding major or even the entirety of the authoritative understanding. Religious or ‘spiritual’ beliefs aren’t binary. They’re much more nebulous and personal.
However, on the day, in the Church, it did evoke the feeling of a momentous event. There was an overarching ambiance of elation and pride in the dolled-up children reciting prayers and performing hymnals in the choir. My daughter enthusiastically joined in; she greatly enjoys a hearty hymn.
Seán Moncrieff: Once upon a time, the church played a part in increasing people’s self-esteem.
I found myself contemplating the priest’s words and musing over how in the span of a few pleasant hours, children across the globe were experiencing desolation.
The priest drew attention to the fact that many of the children present had been christened by him and that he had officiated at numerous communions, confirmations, and weddings for many of the parents. This provided the day with a sense of continuity and tradition within the community, possibly contributing to why people still participate in such ceremonies.
Undoubtedly, financial aspects also play a part in communions. In subtle objection to this, he highlighted the fact that the children amongst us that day were among the most fortunate in human history. His statement holds truth, at least so far.
There’s a common belief that the near total decline of the Catholic Church’s sway in Ireland was largely precipitated by the sex abuse cover-ups and a myriad of other scandals. However, while these factors might have hastened the fall, it was an event that was most likely inevitable: primarily due to prosperity. In a time when the ordinary Irish citizen’s life was marred by hardship and suffering, where feeling insignificant and aimless was a norm, the church served a purpose by offering some level of solace and explanation. Despite everything, you are loved by God.
Nevertheless, when Ireland finally transitioned into a more prosperous, modern nation, and the majority of people began to sense an increase in their autonomy, the reliance on divine explanations lessened significantly. They found the ability to shape and govern their own lives without requiring divine intervention.
Subsequently, we retreated to a hotel where ‘She’ had arranged a casual gathering in a function room for several families. There was a spread of food, a professional photographer and a disco for the children. The adults basked in the sun, complimenting the wonderful weather.
Yet, I couldn’t shake off the priest’s words; and how, during our carefree hours, children in distinct parts of the globe were living in unbearable destitution. They were playing amidst the ruins or grappling with starvation and illness. Within those hours, countless children around the world tragically perished.
In these countries, much like Ireland in the not so distant past, people cling to their faith to make sense of the relentless suffering inflicted upon them.
Enroute home, we went by street lamps plastered with election posters, some cautioning against foreign infiltrations, championing Ireland for the Irish: as though our nationality is a proud accomplishment instead of a fortunate birth occurrence. They wilfully overlooked that the individuals they perceive as threats were in fact, us from a few decades prior.