Cathedral changes will alienate people

I SUPPORT those protesting against the proposed alterations to the interior of St Colman’s Cathedral in Cobh.

If those who wish to carry out these changes visit a similar building, the great Puginian chapel of St Patrick’s College, Maynooth, they will find, in a seminary context, an undisturbed sanctuary well adapted to Vatican II liturgical requirements.

Likewise a visitor to JH Newman’s renowned Byzantine revival church in St Stephen’s Green, Dublin, will find another well adapted sanctuary. There are other examples around the country, notably the wonderful arts and crafts sanctuary at Loughrea Cathedral, Co Galway.

Why therefore must arrangements which appear to have worked well in Cobh for 40 years be changed?

Do the diocesan authorities and their supporters not realise how damaging these actions are to their cause?

The people nowadays, especially the young in ever increasing numbers, are coming to appreciate more and more the combination of their religious and cultural heritage.

They appreciate not only the good design but the sympathetic and charismatic patina with which age enhances these sacred old interiors. These proposals will destroy this and alienate the very people the Church authorities are trying to attract.

Vatican II was very anxious for the voice of the laity to be heard and 24,000 petitions against the proposals for Cobh cathedral have been gathered.

Are the voices of the people being heard? The imminent decision is awaited with concern by many.

Dr John Maiben Gilmartin

President

The Friends of the National Collections of Ireland

Arranmore

Pembroke Road

Dublin 4