Maynooth seminary is still grabbing headlines.
Tony Flannery, on his own website, gives a frank opinion of the most recent proposals put forward by the trustees. “Are these men serious? Do they expect this effort at very traditional regimentation, and equally traditional spirituality, to solve the problems they believe existed?”
Brian Eyre, commenting from the remove of Brazil, sees merit in a proposal that “a subcommittee of lay people, families and “especially the presence of women” will be introduced as part of priestly formation”.
Meanwhile Cindy Wooden, writing in America Magazine, reports on Pope Francis speaking in Krakow about the training of seminarians. Pope Francis is reported as saying “too many seminaries teach students a rigid list of rules that make it difficult or impossible for them as priests to respond to the real-life situation of those who come to them seeking guidance.” and “”We need to truly understand this: in life not all is black on white or white on black,” he said. “The shades of grey prevail in life. We must them teach to discern in this gray area.”
Perhaps Maynooth’s trustees should consult Pope Francis?
When the Association was first founded, I wrote to one member saying I thought there would be a need for TWO Associations – one to defend falsely accused priests and another to promote the “liberal” agenda. I am pleased to see that I was very much wrong – in relation to Fr Reynolds anyway. However I have recently noted the contrast between your numerous articles AND comments on the Vatican censures etc and your minimal coverage of the Reynolds case. The Association now seems to be devoting less attention to it than are the anti-clerical media that created the atmosphere of hysteria which made “Mission to Prey” possible in the first place! No comments yet on THIS particular article but several supporting Fintan O’Toole – who is noted for his support of falsely accused priests??
The RTE decision-making process reminds me of Mr Bush and Iraq. Obviously the bottom line was at the top of the page. Note the link:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/05/09/colin-powell-book_n_1503592.html