2012-09-21   There was a response by Chris McDonnell to a recent critical article by William Oddie on the Catholic Herald website, 
posted a few days ago. Here is a shorter version of that response printed in the Catholic Herald last weekend

--------------------

Much has been written in recent days in reference to the passing of Cardinal Martini. There have been those who have castigated him, suggesting that his views were a sign of liberal and by implication damaging, outcomes of the Council. Others suggest, with equal conviction, that his words were prophetic for a Pilgrim Church in difficult times.

He concluded his final published interview with these words: “I have a question for you: What can you do for the Church?” 
That phrase is reminiscent of Kennedy’s inauguration speech in 1960. “Ask not what your country can do for you but ask what you can do for your country”

So we must, individually and collectively, ask ourselves that question, and having asked it look for, listen for and seek an answer.

We are where we are, how we got there is the story of our experience. But all of us have a responsibility to take the next steps and if that means raising a critical voice, in charity, then so be it. But always in charity. Some contributors to the Letters pages and the blogosphere sometimes seem to forget this.
May Carlo Cardinal Martini rest in the peace of the Lord.