Liam Kelly wrote a thought provoking article on The Celtic Star a few days ago, titled “Why embracing Celtic’s Catholic Roots is not something that should be contentious” and you should maybe have a read at that before continuing….
READ THIS…Why embracing Celtic’s Catholic Roots is not something that should be contentious
Today we want to share some feedback to Liam’s article with you so here goes….
“Nice piece of work by Liam,” Spherical Planet stated. “I don’t give a monkey’s what anyone’s faith is if they choose to support Celtic. Religion should not be our defining characteristic, but neither should Catholics be condemned or shamed for being inspired by their faith or with an affinity to Celtic.
“I know plenty of Catholics in Dundee who cannot abide Celtic. I also know many protestants who are passionate Celtic fans. The fact that my parents were Irish and Catholic is incidental to my support of the club, but if anyone associates Catholicism with Celtic – then I have no issue with that.
“I believe the beauty of the club and its fans, is that no one really gives a toss what school or chapel you went to. Celtic is our universal religion/belief system and we all worship at the same church.
“Celtic will always be ‘The Catholic Team’. It’s nothing to be ashamed of, but the diversity of our support suggests something completely different,” he concluded.
Next up is Benignus who admits he is not religious. “As an atheist I can’t get too excited about the connection, but because of our history I completely understand it, if it wasn’t for the church we would never have been formed, and that is something that Celtic supporters of all faiths and none, should be eternally grateful for,” he stated.
Steviebhoy67 has a word of caution on this topic: “I’m proud of our roots however a post that promotes any religious roots has to be careful. I’ll say no more,” he warned.
Millsy added a funny wee story about his mother. “Religion and football? My mother was a Celtic ” supporter ” – she never saw a game in her life , couldn’t name one player but they were the ‘Catholic ‘ team so they got her vote. ..A bible thumper came to the door one day and asked if we were Christians – ”Naw ! ” says my mammy ” We’re Catholics ! ””
Lennono was next up: “I’m a protestant and proud to be a Celtic Supporter,” he declared, with TET responding to this: “Celtic isn’t about catholic but its not anti catholic and thats important to me. Who we are, what people believe or how they believe or not is not important to being a Celtic fan. It wasn’t just catholics the club welcomed. It just didn’t exclude or castigate any one else faith or none.”
Lennono gave us some further insight. “I just feel more comfortable being a Celtic Supporter….wasn’t easy in the early days, especially at school…but hey…they had the issues …not me…I was happy and comfortable with it.”
TET answered: “I think most catholics are protestant and just don’t know it to be honest. Football is football. It should never have anything to do with religion or faith or none It should be about football.”
Lennono replied: “Exactly. When I was wee, my next door neighbour took me to see Hearts, as he was a supporter. I never felt comfortable watching them. Jock Stein bought Wullie Wallace and I followed Wullie as he was my favourite player. I am so glad I did……25.5.67….and all that….Best decison I made in life. And as they say…. If you know yer history…and in those days being a protestant, I was basically an outcast at school…..I can honestly say I am a better person for it…..The Celtic Way.”
Colbhoy concludes the debate. ” I was born and brought up to be a Catholic that fell by the wayside but I never stopped being a Celtic supporter and never will. Yes Celtic is and probably forever will be a Catholic club, we cannot forget our history. But as we all know it is inclusive to everyone as it’s been from the start and will continue to be,. We are family and as family we have fights with each other but still love the same club. Different opinions we will have, but all under the banner of Celtic Football Club.”
