Sir,
Addressing the matter of divestment in response to Emer McLysaght’s provocative piece (“I’m a testament to the failure of attempting to instil Catholic Church’s teachings in schools”, October 18th) would ordinarily be my first instinct. I would argue that the church retains a cooperative relationship with the State, aiding it in ensuring a diverse selection of school patronage. However, it is not this tenet that her article draws me to today, but a more personal dimension.
She portrays a perception of religious faith, frequently found amongst those devoid of religious affiliations, that sees it as a source of comfort or solace, particularly in confronting mortality. Nonetheless, this is far from the promise that Christianity tenders to its followers. The commitment I was given extends to the guarantee that my adherence to the teachings and ethos of Jesus Christ, striving to live true to God’s intentions, would be met with opposition or even malevolence from the world, possibly to the extreme point of death, encapsulating the sacrificial narrative of the Cross.
Although faith can offer solace, substantiated by studies pointing to superior mental wellness and overall quality of life in those practising religious faith in comparison to those who do not – informed by St Augustine’s wisdom that our hearts remain disquiet until they establish a haven in God, which signals human flourishing – it principally challenges Christians. It presses us to pardon our transgressors and extend empathetic love towards them; to perceive Jesus in all those experiencing hardship or in the transient figures who are part of our society, as has been recently restated by the Irish bishops in their pastoral message, A Hundred Thousand Welcomes?
Furthermore, we are obliged to withstand personal tragedies, setbacks or injustices with patience, uniting them in prayer with Jesus on the Cross.
Ms McLysaght is correct in discerning the scandalous nature of the Cross – we, Christians, have acknowledged this right from Christianity’s inception. This faith has consistently demanded profound commitment.
The fundamental nature of humankind, distinguished by the potential to achieve greatness while at the same time susceptible to acts of wrong, is ever-present. It signifies the existence of suffering but also the potential for salvation.
Additionally, Ms McLysaght articulates that the religious “progamming” was unfruitful. This outcome is not unexpected, as the primary objective of a Catholic ethos school is not to impose beliefs, but rather, to suggest faith, ideally through demonstration above all else.
Regrettably, this has not always been the case, however, numerous educators and other school personnel, both of faith and secular, have accomplished this, and for their efforts, we express our gratitude. – Kind regards,
ALAN HYNES,
Chief Executive,
Catholic Education Partnership,
Columba Centre,
Maynooth,
Co Kildare.