Lisbon treaty and Limerick retreat

A number of Salesians from Dublin left yesterday afternoon (after my evening talk was anticipated somewhat) to drive back across Ireland so that they could vote first thing in the morning. The polls opened at 7.00 am - and by 10.30, they were entering the chapel for my first morning talk today. Yes, coast to coast in 3 hours! But then, Ireland also wakes late, so they got a good head start on traffic.

The Lisbon Treaty -- this is what it is all about. This treaty is supposed to replace the rejected European constitution, but all other of the 27 countries in the European Union are deciding through their legislatures. Ireland's constitution calls for the ratification of treaties through a referendum. Yes means acceptance of the treaty/constitution, No means rejection. I've heard arguments for and against and it seemed to me that the people are rather hotly divided… but perhaps that is only the Salesians who are divided. The last news I heard tonight after the polls closed is that the voter turn-out had been low in the morning but picked up in the evening after people returned from work. In fact, after supper I stood in front of the Salesian house with Mariusz, and we greeted over 100 people on their way to and from the urns in the Milford School which borders the parish.

A strong Europe! or a strong Ireland? That is how the elections posters are phrasing it. Some are worried that a strong EU would mean that Ireland would be forced to abdicate its own hard-fought liberties as a democracy? Some worry that after years of domination by Britain, Ireland would now let itself be dominated by Europe. Others instead say that it is not the same: this is not about domination but about participation.

In terms of religious heritage: some worry that Ireland would have to let go of its own values as a Christian society, since the last constitution attempt neglected to mention 2000 years of Christianity in its listing of European heritage. But that constitution never made it for economic reasons rather than religious reasons. Still, what does it mean to endorse separation of Church and State. Does it mean ignoring Church? Does post-modern necessarily mean post-christian?

In terms of economy and living conditions, can Ireland survive if it is detached from Europe? Can anyone in Europe afford not to think as a continent?

These are the questions many ask, at least in Ireland in these days. Then again, many do not ask this at all. They just get on with it.

And we just got on with the retreat. It helps to have a non-European doing the preaching at a time like this, I suppose.