Monday, August 23, 2010

Visiting priests impressed by piety in country

Over the past few months, fifteen young priests from Asia, Africa and elsewhere in Europe made Ireland their home, and specifically the Diocese of Meath.

Many sojourned in Westmeath, and had a unique and memorable opportunity to experience Irish parish life.

On Wednesday last, the group - many of whom are based and studying in Rome - met with the Bishop of Meath, Most Rev. Dr. Michael Smith, at Mullingar’s Cathedral House, to discuss their progress, and their experience of the religious life in Ireland.

Among them were Fr. Patrick Zay Han of Burma, who has been based at Cathedral House; Indian priest, Fr. Anthony Manoj, who has ministered in Ballynacargy/Sonna; Fr. Anselm Kitbunchu (Thailand), who has stayed in Mullingar); Fr. Paul Chuenjitapirom (Thailand and Ballinderry); Fr. Marian Shiwantha Rodrigo (Sri Lanka and Castlepollard); Fr. Florin Bejenaru (Romania and Tullamore); Fr. Paul Butnaru (Romania and Johnstown parish), Fr. Joseph Otmey-Buabeng (Ghana and Trim), and Fr. Philibert Paaga, C.S.Sp. (Ghana and Ardcath-Curraha, formerly in Athboy parish).

Speaking about his experiences in Ireland, Fr. Zay Han said that it was “inspiring to be able to connect with the people of Mullingar” in this his first visit to Ireland.

He said that he was especially keen to “give something back to Ireland” as a mark of respect to the Columban Fathers, who did much to bring Catholicism to Burma throughout the twentieth century.

“I have come here to share and extend my gratitude to Ireland, and to the Columban Fathers,” Fr. Patrick said. “Some of them who came to Asia died for their faith.”

Fr. Patrick spoke of the “fragile situation” for people of faith in Burma, which is currently ruled by a military régime. He described the situation as “a test of our faith.”

Fr. Philibert, a Ghanaian priest and a member of the Spiritan order (formerly the Holy Ghost Fathers), studied theology at Dublin’s Milltown Institute, and is equally impressed with the depth of faith in Ireland.

He has spent a lot of time in Paris, and during his stay in Athboy, he was intrigued by how large Mass attendance was, compared to that of urban France. The experience of cemetery devotions, he said, was new, and unique to Ireland.

“If they manage to keep the tradition of cemetery devotions going, the Church will never die,” he said.

Romania native Fr. Paul Butnaru, who spent time in Dunshaughlin before moving to Johnstown, said that he was “proud” to share his faith with the people of the Diocese of Meath, and he remarked positively on the warm reception he was given by parishioners.

Speaking about the Church in Asia, Castlepollard-based Fr. Marian Rodrigo (Sri Lanka) said there is a “vibrant Church” in Asia, with young men joining the priesthood in record numbers.

Interestingly, Fr. Rodrigo spoke of a strong regard for old Catholic precepts in his country; for example, they tend not engage in the practice of giving and taking Communion in the hand.

Citing a recent trip to Lough Derg, the cleric said that “not one Catholic devotee” he encountered expressed any issue with problems relating to the Catholic Church in Ireland.

“There’s a great respect for priests in the Diocese of Meath,” he said.

“Mass attendance here is also much better than in many other countries, something which made me very surprised and happy.”

The clerics agreed that places like Knock, Lough Derg or - even closer to home - the throng of crowds venerating the heart of St. Camillus in Killucan recently, was evidence of the strength of faith in Ireland, despite a picture being painted that Irish Catholics were turning their backs on their ancestral religion.

Fr. Joseph Otmey-Buabeng said that aside from Mass attendance, during his time in Trim, he was happy to see so many people “practising their faith in their own little corners”.

“On so many occasions, you’d see people dropping into the Parish Centre, or saying a private prayer in the chapel,” he said.

“The Blessed Sacrament is frequently exposed, and people come to worship. These people are truly religious.”

For a remarkably young group of priests, the group seemed a little more conservative than their European counterparts. “In Europe, it’s not that we have given up, but perhaps we have given in to too much,” said Fr. Rodrigo, referring to the Church in the modern world.

Not suggesting that any return to the pre-Vatican II order should be made, he pointed out that following the Second Vatican Council, people were given the Mass in the vernacular, but lost their grasp on the meaning; whereas when the Mass was in Latin, people did not understand the language, but had a reverence and understanding for the meaning of the Mass.

Fr. Philibert, meanwhile, said that many young people in France, for instance, were “looking for a little bit more than ‘The Lord be With You’... something more old school.”

“Youth must be encouraged to find their place,” he said.

Fr. Joseph added that education and reflection is of paramount importance.

“I am afraid that we will probably reach the point in the future where young people learn what older people did [at Mass] without understanding it,” he remarked. “The teaching aspect is very important.

“If you go into church and light a candle, why not know why you are doing?”

SIC: WE