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.