‘Them and us’ culture at root of problem?

I HAVE always been proud of my roots in Cobh, Co Cork, and I love the cathedral where I was baptised and confirmed.

Although I left as a lad I have fond memories of Bishop Roche — he had great rapport with us as children.

However, I visited Cobh last Easter and attended a Latin mass in the Tridentine rite in the cathedral.

What I thought might be a nostalgic event turned out to be very uninspiring. The lack of dialogue and the celebrant facing away from the congregation presented a “them and us” aura — all that was wrong with pre-Vatican II church culture.

I now wonder whether some of that culture still remains and inhibits speedy and proper resolution of the current crisis.

Christ wanted little children to come to him and gave stern warning to anyone who scandalised one of them. Christ also said we were to be servants of each other.

Could Bishop Magee put on a towel and wash the feet of those who were abused by clergy and the parents of the abused?

I still want to be proud of Cobh, the cathedral and all associated with it.

David J Walsh

51 Convent Court

Delgany

Co Wicklow