We would like to congratulate Eric Hodgens for his recently published article “Time to speak- and act”. His prophetic stance and the rigor of his theological arguments were in contrast to the article in the same publication of Cardinal George Pell. Our only disagreement with Eric is that we believe the Church may well have missed the opportunity to transform [...]

I read with great interest Hodgens’ reminiscence of his 50 years in the priesthood and Pell’s reply. Softly as he may have wanted it to be read, Pell’s response was polemic and distant. Typical of our bishops today! I often wonder what would be their retorts if bishops followed St Paul’s advice to be married once. As parents, our bishops [...]

In previous editions of The Swag, letters have been written about priests being able to access help when allegations have been made about them. I wish now to address the area of staff employment because a number of priests I have spoken with feel powerless to act in this area. lt can seem that employees have more [...]

I have just read the editorial in the latest copy of The Swag concerning “ethnic caging”. I agree wholeheartedly with the premise that boat people are being caged to show “who’s boss”. I am sure it is the bureaucrats in the Immigration Department who call the shots and for which the unfortunate Minister must take the blame. Twice a [...]

Before Australia’s bishops make their ad limina visit to Rome in October, Catholics will have the opportunity to speak out about their concerns for the Church in an Open Letter addressed to Pope Benedict and the Bishops. As Christ’s faithful, this is their right and duty (Canon 212.2-3). The Church no longer adequately inspires our communities. It has alienated too [...]

Dear Editors, I congratulate you on the Summer 2010 edition of The Swag which is gaining in outspokenness and candour. Vatican II priests, who for too long have suffered in silence and have seen their hopes dashed and their spirits crushed, now seem more prepared to speak out. Respected and loyal pastors – alas, too [...]

Dear Editors, From my perspective I can only but congratulate Eric Hodgens and Leo Donnelly for the gentle but forthright manner in which they related the hopes that were there in Vatican II and the disappointments that followed. I was part of the priestly batch from the late 50’s to the early 70’s Eric was [...]

Dear Editors, Fr Eric Hodgens’ Reflections on an Ordination Golden Anniversary was a tribute to the indomitability of the human spirit. As one who flirted with religious life (though seven years was a more than reasonable flirtation), I felt both admiration for the endurance of the “gaudium et spes” class of 1960 and sorrow for [...]

Dear Editors, The Summer 2010 edition of The Swag was well endowed with articles offering challenging perceptions of the present pastoral health of the Church. In particular Eric Hodgens’ Reflections on an Ordination Golden Anniversary was prophetic in its mourning the lost opportunities of the post-Vatican II Church. Eric’s breadth of vision is prodigious. However, [...]

Dear Editors, I congratulate Eric Hodgens on his faithful service for 50 years. As he hinted in his article, he is one of those priests who have “run highly successful and active parishes” and “whose pastoral life has been a source of joy”. Well done, Eric! I belong to the same generation, having been ordained [...]