Madam, - I write to support those protesting against the proposed alterations to the interior of St Colman's Cathedral, Cobh. I would like particularly to support the views of Dr Alcuin Read, as recently reported in your columns. If those who wish to carry out these alterations visit a similar building, the great Puginian Chapel of St Patrick's College Maynooth, they will find in a seminary context an undisturbed sanctuary well adapted to Vatican II liturgical requirements.
Likewise, a visitor to JH Newman's renowned Byzantine revival church in St Stephen's Green, Dublin will find another well-adapted sanctuary. There are other examples around the country, notably the wonderful arts and crafts sanctuary at Loughrea Cathedral, Co Galway.
Why therefore must arrangements which appear to have worked well in Cobh for 40 years be changed? Do Bishop Magee, the Rev Kileen and their supporters not realise how damaging these actions are to their cause? People nowadays, especially the young in ever-increasing numbers, are coming to appreciate more and more the combination of their religious and cultural heritage. They appreciate not only the good design, but the sympathetic and charismatic patina with which age enhances these sacred interiors. These proposals will destroy this and alienate the very people they the church authorities are trying to attract.
Vatican II was very anxious for the voice of the laity to be heard. Twenty-four thousand petitions against the proposals for Cobh Cathedral have been gathered. Are the voices of the people being heard? The imminent decision is awaited by many with concern.
- Yours, etc,
Dr JOHN MAIBEN GILMARTIN, President, Friends of the National Collections of Ireland, Dublin 4.