Removal of Christian symbols criticised

A PRIEST in the Diocese of Kerry has strongly condemned the removal of Christian symbols and names from hospitals and schools, and has urged Christians to stand up for their beliefs.

Fr Kevin McNamara a curate at St Mary’s Cathedral, Killarney, the seat of the diocese, was speaking at Mass on the feast of the epiphany on Friday night. He said he was “greatly saddened” by the removal of crucifixes and other symbols from hospitals in Kerry.

He criticised the HSE for spending an estimated €10,000 to fight the reinstatement of a large statue of the Sacred Heart over the door of what is now known as Killarney Community Hospital.

The HSE has lodged an appeal against a council decision which refused it permission to remove the statue and retain it on the ground alongside the hospital.

The HSE paid fees of €4,500 to lodge the appeal. It has also engaged heritage and planning consultants in its bid to overturn the town council decision.

Fr McNamara said the money would have been better spent providing nursing and care facilities.

Hospitals had also been divested of their Christian names and Fr McNamara said schools were now set to be divested of Christian symbols in a climate of political correctness.