St Patrick is supposed to have rid this country of reptiles of a particular nature and so I wonder why they appear year on year in our St Patrick’s Day parade. It would appear that St Patrick has failed in his job in this respect and I wonder does the day merit celebrating at all?
But then you almost have to think about what St Patrick is ultimately renowned for and that is of course for bringing Christianity to Ireland and that is why our country is predominantly a Catholic nation. This is surely worth celebrating.... or is it? Considering all the recent revelations it is hard to think that it may have been a reason for celebrating at all - too many children were hurt.
Cardinal Sean Brady although he has apologised to the young children that he swore to secrecy about their sexual abuse from a monster cleric, refuses to believe that his role in the scandal merits resignation - despite the fact that the rest of the country and the Catholic people that he represents believe he should do so. Isn’t this just more clerical arrogance - exactly what we are trying to rid this country of.
Our front page story refers to a paedophile priest who is living within the Dominican order in Kilkenny city. A priest who had children terrified in their beds at night in case he might come around. This is simply a horrible story and unfortunately a story of many childrens’ lives. It was real for those small boys who suffered at his hands. Now he lives in Kilkenny in the knowledge that he cannot be anywhere where children are. He has been forbidden to call himself a priest or practise priests’ duties. People are of course angry that he is living in Kilkenny as they fear for their childrens’ safety but in reality he is probably in one of the safest places possible - within the order and not out in the community. He lives a controlled life. This is the penance for the sins of his past.
On a lighter note I think the St Patrick’s Day celebrations in Kilkenny were a wonderful affair - there was a great buzz around the city for the day and well into the evening. The Twilight concerts meant there was somewhere for young people to go after the main parade and hang out with friends. The event was a great success and everyone enjoyed it. Well done to all concerned.
