African hymns echoed through the Church of the Resurrection in Killarney, Co. Kerry last Saturday during a special ceremony which saw three men make their first vows as Presentation Brothers. Sebastian Dery (26), Leonard Derbie (33) and McSimon Azenda (34) made vows of poverty, chastity and obedience before Brother Martin Kenneally, the Congregation Leader…
Month: September 2013
Meath diocese appoints youngest parish priest in Ireland
Following the announcement of the latest summer appointments, a priest in the Diocese of Meath has taken the title of youngest priest in Ireland from a Dublin colleague. Bishop Michael Smith appointed seven parish priests in his clerical changes, which come into effect on September 29, among which Fr Patrick Donnelly (33), currently curate…
Parading propaganda as news
So far, in contemplating what appears to be imminent death of the mainstream print media, we have tended to adopt an apocalyptic demeanour. And, yes, there are many potentially ominous aspects of what is happening and likely to happen next. The death of the newspaper may well, under certain headings, have drastic consequences for the…
No ‘Pope Francis Effect’ confession boom in Ireland
While the election of Pope Francis has reportedly brought people flocking back to the Church in Britain and the United States, the Pope appears to have had no such effect in Ireland. A recent survey of clergy based in cathedrals across England and Wales found that two thirds had noticed an upturn in numbers…
A community of the peace
They have come five and a half thousand miles and they are one of the refreshing untold stories of post-Good Friday Agreement in Northern Ireland. We aretalking about the arrival in the North since around 2,000 of a significant number of Syro Malabar Catholics, formerly known as the Church of St Thomas Christians, from…
Becoming God’s good servants
The summer now past, we come once again to what is in effect, for many, the beginning of a new year. It is an opportune time to ask, not only, ‘What am I doing?’, but the more fundamental question, ‘Who am I?’ We, who must live and labour in this secular world, but carry…
Syria needs dialogue, not bombs
Pope Francis called for dialogue and reconciliation in Syria on Saturday as he led a peace vigil in St Peter’s square and millions of Catholics worldwide were joined by other faiths in a day of fasting and prayer. “In beloved Syria, in the Middle East, in all the world, let us pray for reconciliation…
Lough Derg offers day of support for suicide
For the first time Lough Derg will hold a special day dedicated to supporting those who are living with suicide and for those involved in ministry and support services. The ‘Living with Suicide’ day offers those affected, either directly or indirectly, the opportunity for deeper understanding and support to make sense of it all.…
A celebration of Charismatic Renewal
A national celebration of Charismatic Renewal will be held on Sunday, September 29 from 2.30pm finishing with Mass at 6.30pm in the Pro-Cathedral, Marlborough St, Dublin with Archbishop Diarmuid Martin as the principal celebrant. Organisers hope the event will serve as a reunion and gathering for people who have been involved in Charismatic Renewal,…
Rosary on the go
iRosary is an innovative new Rosary for the iPhone and iPod Touch which displays a fully-animated set of Rosary beads that flows across your hand as you move it with your finger, like a standard Rosary. For those new to the Rosary, there is no easier way to learn this perfect prayer which engages…