Dear Editor.
The article by Michael Kirke in the latest Position Papers on the book SPQR by Mary Beard, which I am reading at the moment, is a good indication of where we are heading unless Christian values are returned to our lives. The transforming effect these values had on the Roman Empire was dramatic and the subsequent spreading of the Gospels particularly westwards was impressive as the innate need in all of humankind for spiritualism was fulfilled. This was particularly true in the case of our own country with the arrival of St Patrick.
Now the growth of relativism and materialism have quelled our innate need for spiritualism. The secularising of schools, marriage, services and Government policies is rampant and spreading daily throughout our country.
The consequences however can be seen everywhere with the increases in shootings, murders, divorces, depression, despair, debt, homelessness, child neglect, abortion etc The need for a spiritual content in all our lives and in our policies towards others is urgently required. This reawakening must be undertaken by our spiritual leaders.
Greater use should be made of the media, of outdoor professions of faith, maximising the opportunities to spread the good news at funerals, Church marriages and baptisms where the congregations are captive. We must take back Christmas, Easter and holy days from the commercial sector, ring church bells at the Angelus time etc.
Having visited Rome many times the Colosseum gives us an idea of the dark side of Roman life.
Regards
Denis Dunne