Priests were put on a pedestal but now need to learn from critics

BY a remarkable coincidence the readings provided by the Catholic Church throughout the world for last Sunday’s masses were an ideal scene-setter for priests intending to preach about the Ferns report.

This is the case even if the relevant passages made uncomfortable reading for Church leaders everywhere.

The readings for the 31st Sunday in Ordinary Time came from the prophet Malachi and the Gospel according to St Matthew.