Catholics must move beyond ‘cultural faith’, priests say

In brief

Priests serving in Ireland have called on Catholics to move from an inherited or cultural faith toward a deeper personal commitment to Christ.

Fr. Anselm Emechebe MSP, a Nigerian priest who has worked in Ireland since 2009, told The Irish Catholic that people must take more personal responsibility for their faith. He noted that Catholicism cannot remain something practiced only on major occasions or received through family and sacraments. Fr. Emechebe described faith as a relationship rather than just theory or culture, stating that moving toward the depth of faith requires commitment.

Fr. Jonas Rebamontan, a Filipino priest serving in Boyle, said this gap is often visible during sacraments involving people who do not attend Mass regularly. He noted that some participants approach baptisms and weddings for compliance or for show.