At the Arch-Confraternity’s weekly gathering last night, Very Reverend Father Creagh, the Spiritual Director, shared his thoughts on the recent letter from the Most Reverend Dr O’Dwyer, which had been published earlier. Father Creagh began by praising the letter’s dignified and moderate tone, along with the high moral standard it set for the readers. The letter, having been read in all the city’s churches on Sunday, focused on the topic of attending the theater in relation to morality.

Father Creagh reiterated the letter’s stance, emphasizing that it was not inherently wrong to attend the theater when the productions were virtuous and wholesome. He agreed with the Bishop’s view that theater could be beneficial and even educational, but like any other good thing, it could be misused. Father Creagh acknowledged that while other countries had witnessed plays that defied morality, Limerick had thus far remained free from such insults to public decency.

He highlighted the inherent sinfulness present in thought, speech, and action according to the teachings of Christ. Father Creagh noted that even if someone refrained from partaking in such plays themselves, by attending and indirectly endorsing them, they could be influencing others towards sinful behavior. He emphasized that viewing immoral performances could stimulate the mind and imagination, leading to the indulgence of lower passions.

Father Creagh shared his view that such plays were an affront to the people of Limerick and saw them as imports from England along with other corrupting elements. He deplored the presence of harmful literature and explicit images being disseminated in the country, describing it as a deliberate effort to erode Irish morality, driven by the devil’s influence.

Turning to the play in question, Father Creagh criticized its content and argued against the notion that it contained a moral message. He pointed out that the storyline involved an abandoned woman’s life and questioned the propriety of exposing young people to such themes. He denounced the play’s supposed moral lesson as an excuse to promote immorality, underlining the degradation associated with such behavior.

Father Creagh expressed disappointment that despite the Bishop’s public objection, the play’s promoters continued their efforts without withdrawing it. He even referenced a letter from the play’s organizer attempting to justify the production, and he dissected its arguments to illustrate its absurdity.

In conclusion, Father Creagh appealed to the men in attendance to demonstrate their public spirit and commitment to morality by refraining from attending such plays that demeaned public decency. He urged them to collectively reject these offensive presentations and uphold the principles of their faith.

Limerick Echo – Tuesday 07 November 1905