Sir, - You are, unfortunately, dead right when you surmise (Editorial, October 23rd) that a new generation of Irish people probably does not appreciate the valuable work which missionary priests and nuns have done in poor countries. You might ask if media like yourselves could do more to rectify this situation, because the new generation badly needs role models of self-giving and true humanity.
My own parish in Galway is served by such nuns and priests, who between them have spent very many years in India, Liberia, South Africa and Venezuela.
They are quick to point out how much their lives have been enriched by the opportunities they got to live with great people in societies which were much poorer, materially, but not spiritually. Many of them are spending their older years continuing to serve parishes here in Ireland, and they are well placed to help us have a positive and welcoming approach to refugees from poor countries.
One wonders what they think of our secularised approach to "aid", which puts an increasing emphasis on funding organisations which send negative anti-natalist messages to poor communities? - Yours, etc.,
Seamus Grimes, Tirellan Heights, Galway.