Big deal, one might say. However, when compared to the 6.3 of Protestant women who feel a similar way, what is this saying about the Roman Catholic Church?
A priest at an Irish parish in Dublin said he would ban the newspaper, "The Irish Catholic," that released the originial article from his church because it upset parishioners.
The survey has caused many people to speak up including one man who said if you go to church to feel appreciated, you'd better rethink the basics of Catholicism. But, the priest insists that the survey represented just a handful of people, not all Irish Catholic women in his country.
It seems like boisterous priests are everywhere this week. Yesterday, when I was at the local religious store dropping off some instrumental Christmas CDs, a priest from the church down the street stopped in to see if the books he ordered were ready. The proprietor told him they weren't and that he didn't realize they were a "rush" order.
The priest, speaking in a loud voice so everyone could hear, said that he could have bought them on Amazon and was trying to give the store business. He left in a huff.
The proprietor seemed a bit shaken that a priest had spoken to him that way. He said he planned to order the books with his weekly shipment.
"Don't let it ruin your day," I said. "His behavior was an example of why so many people are turned off by the church."
Yes. Apparently something needs to be done, if people don't feel comfortable at Mass. Yet, aren't we supposed to make our own happiness? There are things that should be overlooked. I'd say that the actions of one or two or even three clergy people shouldn't rule how we feel about church.
If you don't like the particular teachings of one priest, go to Mass when another priest is there or maybe to a neighboring parish.
And if the Irish Catholic survey made women feel left out by the church, imagine how it was in the days of St. Kiara (also known as St. Kiara of Kilkeary)?
She was born near Nenagh, County Tipperary, Ireland in the 7th century. The little that is known about her states that she could be a combination of many women. What is known is that St. Kiara was a virgin maiden who studied religion with St. Finian. She died c.680 and the Benedictine monks named the town Kilkeary for her.
St. Kiara's feast day is Oct. 13. The painting of her above is by Yoshihiko Wada.
2 comments:
I just found your website because I was thinking about the meaning of my name and wanted to know more about this saint. There is very little on her. Ciara, a celtic name, actually has several variations: Ciara, Ceara, Kira, Keira, and Kiara just as it may represent many different people. It means, black, little dark one, or "little dart board" as my freshman religion teacher used to say. I like your presentation of all the saints; it is very honest and gives one the impression that the saints were people like ourselves.
Ciara, Thank you for writing. I know a couple of people named Ciara who are Italian. It is a lovely name. So glad to get feedback from readers. Yes, the eaints were very real people, & I appreciate that you enjoyed the blog.
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