Praise over criticism

Dear Editor,

I am writing in response to a front-page article that appeared in last week’s edition of TheAvondhu. The anonymous complaint regarded comments made by Fr. Coleman of Castlelyons.

When speaking, Fr. Coleman highlighted how safe it would be to let children receive the sacraments and how people making decisions for our country do not see how safe it is every week in our churches. His comments were informed and correct and he was right in addressing this with his parishioners.

Furthermore, I was filled with dismay and disappointment that anyone could make such a complaint about Fr. Coleman who is so devout and approachable and has been seen so publicly to abide by every single guideline thus far and gives so much of his time in preparation for the sacraments.

I feel it would be better practice to firstly address any issue one may have with Fr. Coleman personally and in a direct fashion rather than presenting it in the local newspaper. One might question if TheAvondhu took a measured approach in presenting this frontpage article based on the anonymous account of one individual who claims to have the ability to read other people’s emotions and facial expressions from behind their masks.

What is extremely important to note is that receiving the sacraments is so important and that these church events do not pose a high public health risk to people when abiding by the current public health guidelines.

Public health guidelines continue to be adhered to in Castlelyons church thanks to the hard work and dedication of Fr. Coleman and the church assistants. Events which may be held after these sacraments are celebrated in the church are completely outside of the church and it is extremely unjust of anyone to project blame for these events on Fr. Coleman or any individual priest. Keep up the great work Fr. Coleman! Yours, Joseph Cremin, Glanworth.