The Lenten Pastorals, delivered by the Archbishops and Bishops of Ireland to their congregations at the commencement of the Holy Season, carry significant weight and relevance this year. In addition to admonitions to the Faithful about religious practices, these Pastorals contain substantial advice on matters of national importance that demand serious consideration. Themes such as Catholic Education, the advancement of Temperance, the proper observance of Holydays, curbing Emigration, promoting native industries, and safeguarding against harmful literature’s influx are all addressed, signifying their significance in the public domain.
The contemporary political landscape has thrust the education question into the forefront. The Most Rev. Dr O’Dwyer, Bishop of Limerick, dedicates considerable attention to this matter, expressing deep concern about the current state of affairs. His Lordship draws attention to the jeopardy faced by Catholic schools in England and raises an alarm about the proposal to forcibly take over these schools from Irish Catholics residing in Great Britain. The Bishop emphasizes the substantial financial investment – approximately £3,000,000 – made by the Irish community to establish these schools, which now face the threat of being seized at nominal rents. While some may not share Dr O’Dwyer’s apprehensions, it’s clear that Irish and English Bishops are united in their assertion of the Catholic community’s rights to maintain Catholic schools, teachers, and effective religious oversight in education matters.
Moreover, the Pastorals underscore the importance of securing greater control over primary and secondary education for Catholics in Ireland and advocating for accessible University Education. It is emphasized that aligning the Government’s decisions with Irish sentiments would facilitate the resolution of educational matters in the nation.
The pastoral of the Most Rev. Dr Browne, Bishop of Ferns, takes a specific focus on two significant themes: the Temperance movement and the preservation of the religious character of holy days. In the Diocese of Ferns, both these causes have flourished. The St. Patrick’s Total Abstinence League, which originated in Ferns in 1802, continues to exert its positive influence under the guidance of Rev. J. Rossiter, M.S.S. The diocese also prides itself on upholding the proper observance of major Church feasts, a tradition initiated and championed by the revered Dr Furlong. This movement seeks to ensure the respectful celebration of Catholic Holydays throughout Ireland.
The Lenten Pastorals, which deeply engage with the spiritual and temporal well-being of the country, serve as a yearly testament to the dedication of Ireland’s clergy to their congregations. These Pastorals reaffirm the unbreakable connection between Faith and Fatherland, resilient against political shifts and unaffected by the passage of time.
Free Press (Wexford) – Saturday 03 March 1906
