A message from Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M., on civility

THERE ARE VIRTUES AND THEN THERE ARE VIRTUES.  Here's one you don't see or hear a lot in our polarized society today: civility. In a world in which instant information, instant messages, instant solutions and instant gratification are not only expected but presumed --- and, indeed, required --- precious little room and time are left for the virtue of civility.

Like the virtues of meekness, humility and kindness in human interactions, civility —- when observed or detected —- is often mistaken for weakness or cowardice. It is, sad to say, more often derided and mocked than valued, especially in the expression of our politics.

As a bishop in the Catholic Church, I receive more than my fair share of exposure to the lack of civility, often cloaked in anonymity. Instead of asking questions or raising issues or voicing concerns, some people are just not satisfied until they brutally rub your nose in their view of reality, leaving your senses reeling.
Why is it so easy today to forget that there is a human being on the other end of the conversation or letter or e-mail or text or phone call? Where did basic respect, politeness and civility go? Whoever decided that it is good to be cruel or unkind in the expression of an opinion? Whoever decided that there are no longer boundaries to be observed, rules to be followed, courtesy to be shown in the articulation of a point of view? When did violence become an acceptable alternative to respectful discourse?
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Read the full ​message HERE.