We all have stake in Church property
The aim here is to conjure up the image of a miserly cabal of old men imposing unreasonable and unnatural demands on its clergy simply to add a few pence more to the till; as if the Catholic church were just a giant commercial enterprise.
First of all, there were many reasons for celibacy — it was seen (and still is in some quarters, and not only Catholic) as a way to a higher spiritual life; it allowed clergy to completely focus their energies on the communities they served without the conflicting demands of family; and yes, property was an issue. But who do the critics think “Church property” belongs to? Church authorities may hold the actual title deeds, but the Church itself is made up of millions of lay people as well as the clergy and hierarchy, all of whom have a stake in its “property”.
What would mass-goers do if they arrived for Sunday mass to find the doors of their local church chained closed as a result of an inheritance claim put in by the offspring of some priest or bishop? Do people think the public would have better access to our many churches and chapels if they were in private hands? What do the critics think would happen to the monks in a monastery if the whole community had to leave because the descendant of a member of some monk claimed ownership?
Do the critics think the Vatican Museum would be cheaper or more easily accessed if it was owned by a large corporation, or would its many “treasures” not be sold off to private collectors? Much so-called Church property is a patrimony to all of us, even non-believers are welcome. If any of the critics feel aggrieved at the Church “hoarding” property, they will be surprised to find they can pop into any local church they wish for free during opening hours. And while they’re there, they might even like to say a prayer for this writer, too.
Nick Folley
Ardcarrig
Carrigaline
Co Cork
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