We would like to thank the editors of The Swag for inviting Jeff Scully to write such a splendid article in the last edition of The Swag. Reflecting on the Apostolic Visitator’s appointment by the Congregation for Bishops to investigate the Bishop of Jeff’s diocese, Bill Morris, he asked the church of Australia some pertinent questions…

I enclose a copy of a letter I received a few weeks ago. I was greatly affirmed by it. I thought that you might be impressed enough to share it because it’s not just a Scottish thing but one that, I’m sure, represents Australian parish caring…

The easing of permission for the Tridentine Rite is surely a great leap backward. Mind you, this is not a matter for levity in the eyes of the Vatican. It is serious business as the unfortunate Cardinal Archbishop of Manila discovered when he announced that after consulting his clergy there was no need for a Latin Mass in the diocese. He was very smartly put in his place by those experts in pastoral practice in the Vatican.

Dear Swag team, a note to say thanks for a wonderful Spring 2009 issue

Many today seem very concerned about their own rights but tend to neglect or restrict the rights of others. Rights presuppose duties if they are not to become meter licence.

Thanks for the great work on The Swag. As a contribution to our thinking of what it means to translate, I offer the following from L. Alonso Schökel SJ in his introduction to his commentary on the Book of Job.

I write to give affirmation to the new Swag format. It is much more contemporary looking (not that the Tablet look is so bad!).

At 85 years of age, I come at last to seek admission to the NCP. Two factors were dominant in my decision: one, the need to identify as fully as possible with the Year of the Priest, and two, the marked improvement (in my view) of attitudes of members and in the content and presentation of The Swag.

I am very disappointed with the new translation of the prayers for the Eucharist, especially the exclusive language: man, sons, brothers, he. The claim is this is a more literal translation of the Latin. But surely the most important thing is to pray in a way that resonates with the people of today.

What struck me about the Holy Father during Vespers in St Peter’s on the feast of the Sacred Heart, 19 June, was his composure. Yes, he has had a good deal of experience leading mega-liturgies now, but he had a notable self-possession and humility about him as he initiated the Year of the Priest.