The Portrayal of the Catholic Church in John Michael McDonagh's Calvary

Abstract

In my essay, I present the role and the changes in the Catholic Church at the turn of the 20th and 21st centuries, showing how various scandals have destabilised the previously extremely powerful institution; furthermore, I am going to examine how Calvary by John Michael McDonagh can be seen as a critique of the Catholic Church; and then present the counter side through the character of Father James Lavelle, who represents faithfulness and hope for the Catholic Church.