Letters

Splitting Hares (1969)

By G. Charles

Catholic Herald (15/8/69)

I was much taken with Mrs. Elizabeth Courtney's letter of August 1, but I doubt if she is right about the soullessness of the hare.

First, according to "The Chronicles of Brother Wolf," St. Francis himself taught the Wolf of Gubbio to love Brother Hare�and he did. Furthermore, did not the wolf witness the receiving of the Stigmata? His chronicler claims he did. What a priceless gift for a "soulless" creature!

Secondly, and for the most important reason, is it not stated most decidedly in the Scriptures that at the Final Time "The lion shall lie down with the lamb, and the tiger shall eat straw like the ox. and a little child shall lead them"?

To my mind this points to the fact that the so-called lower creatures possess suspended soul growth, even as our soul growth is less sensitive than that of our Angel Guardians.

Perhaps Mrs. Courtney would be interested in reading "Socrates and the Animals" by Elena Quarelli, translated by Katheleen Speight. It is illuminating reading.

Also read Ampleforth Boys' Hare Hunting 'Uncivilised'.

Reproduced with thanks.

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