Ringing the changes - On reflection

JUST as Ireland is changing, religious observance is changing. If Pope Francis does visit Ireland he will find a country very different to the one his predecessor Pope John Paul charmed so dramatically in 1979.

During his visit — nearly 40 years ago — John Paul had a chance to see the Angelus played at six o’clock every day on national television, a daily tradition since RTÉ began television broadcasts in 1962. In those days that call to prayer had a robustly Catholic character and reflected the dominance of that church. It must have reminded all non-Catholics that they were part of a largely voiceless minority.

Today the character of that encouragement to pray if you wish, or reflect on life if you prefer, has changed radically and very much for the better.