When the spirit moves us

THE death of the Pope has resulted in a significant expression of grief from all parts of Irish society, demonstrating that the values that were once at the core of Irish life are still viewed as significant in an era overwhelmed by materialism.

Our Government denied the public the right to a national day of mourning on the grounds that it would be damaging to our economy, failing to recognise that people see themselves as more than just consumers who participate in a market economy, but rather citizens who are members of a society.

The overwhelming economic transformation of Ireland in the last decade has seen material values replace spiritual ones and consumerism has become the new religion.

Economists have taken over from priests as the moral guardians of society and a rebuke from a bank manager for poor credit management is the modern equivalent of a priestly condemnation for immoral behaviour. While our country's vibrant economy has supplied us with the means to acquire the technological wonders that have made our lives more comfortable, convenient and entertaining, it is apparent from the outpouring of grief for the Pope that there is still a strong sense of latent spirituality beneath the surface of Irish society.

Although our esteemed Dáil deputies continue to pound their political pulpits about the virtues of lower taxes, lower prices and more competition, the church still has a role to play in a country that seems to be crying out for non-material leadership.

A church that promotes greater understanding among people of different beliefs and backgrounds, that extols the virtues of preserving the natural world and that can teach people about the dignity of all human beings will continue to find a market in Ireland - a country that has discovered the price of everything, but perhaps is starting to rediscover the value of everything as well.

John McSweeney

Rose Arch

Old Blackrock Road

Cork