Dear Editor,
I was very disappointed with an article in the January ’08 copy of The Word magazine written by John Scally entitled ‘For God’s Sake’. The cover of the magazine even highlights this article and one naturally expects then to read something worthwhile on the topic. But instead all we get is a piece singing the praises of Brian O’Driscoll. Fair enough, Brian O’Driscoll is a good player but what has that to do with the title of the article. The writer ought to have known better and you as the editor should have done your job. A lot of young people admire Andrew Trimble and this was a good opportunity to impress some of them towards the faith and its qualities.
W. Hannon, Athenry, Co Galway


Editor replies:
I think you are unnecessarily harsh in your assessment. The cover highlights this article as ‘Andrew Trimble – Faith & Rugby’, thus it should not surprise readers that some of the content is devoted to the matter of sport. Furthermore at least a third of the article addresses Trimble’s faith and there is also a prominent quotation from the psalms. It is obvious from the article that, for this young man, Jesus is the alpha and omega of his life. That should be inspiration and “worthwhile” enough for any person, young or old.


Dear Editor,
Sincere thanks for The Word for the last year. It has surpassed itself and is a terrific read – each and every month. I do wish more people would read it, especially younger ones!
Wishing you health, happiness and God’s blessing for 2008.
Margaret O’Sullivan, Wicklow


Dear Editor,
As a member of the Pioneer TAA my task is to give a little talk to a group which assembles monthly. The topic which I had chosen for December was the ‘O Antiphons’, so I was delighted when I saw in the December Word magazine that they were printed on p9. But I failed to read them even with reading glasses. The magnifying glass was then brought out and that was a big help – but only half way. A big star appeared on top of the print, so I had to change my plans. I was very disappointed as I had intended in a very simple way to make my little group familiar with those beautiful prayers. Later I read with interest your editorial on Advent and your complaint that the laity have never heard of the ‘O Antiphons’. What about December ’08? Give a good half-page, clear print and no stars.
Sr Anthony, Co Carlow


Dear Editor,
Thank you very much for your good Christmas and New Year wishes which I exchange with love and solidarity for your excellent magazine The Word. I appreciate especially the monthly page ‘People of the Book’. Very good also is the choice of pictures taken from different sources. Also to my pleasure are the cultural reviews. In the January 2008 issue I love ‘Andrea Palladio – 500 years of Beauty’, especially as I have visited most of his splendid villas and other buildings in the Cenice area. The Teatro Olimpico in Vicenza is like a jewel, a dream – and still in use from time to time. Congratulations to the Editorial team of The Word.
Ingeborg Scholz, Rome



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