No faith in prayer — or psychics

ARCHBISHOP Seán Brady’s comments (Irish Examiner, August 23) on the growth of the psychic/medium industry in Ireland, describing it as “one of the most subtle but disturbing signs of this underlying fear in Irish life”.

In my local weekly newsletter there is a classifieds page at the back. For as long as I can remember (more than 20 years), the Novena to the Sacred Heart is printed at least once in each issue as follows :

“Dear Heart of Jesus, in the past I have asked for many favours. This time I ask you this very special one (mention favour). Take it, dear Heart of Jesus, and place it within your own broken heart where your Father sees it. Then, in his merciful eyes, it will become your favour, not mine. Amen.

“Say this prayer for three days, promise publication, and favour will be granted. Never known to fail. Your wish will be granted after three days”.

Sure while you’re at it, you might as well “say three Hail Marys, twirl around twice and say hocus-pocus. Never known to fail”.

Would this be any more absurd than expecting someone to believe that by saying a prayer for three days and promising to publish it, your favour is guaranteed to be granted?

And is the way in which people put their entire faith into this chain letter-style prayer any more ludicrous than somebody putting their faith in psychics or mediums? I think not.

Noel Cronin

34 Beech Road

Muskerry Estate

Ballincollig

Co Cork