Courtney McGrailIn one of the final legislative acts before the Christmas break, the US Congress has passed a new religious freedom act which aims to make tackling religious persecution a key part of America’s foreign policy. The Frank R. Wolf International Religious Freedom Act passed through the Houses of Representatives and Senate with no opposition and…
Month: December 2016
Meath schoolboy Ethan ecstatic with his own papal message
Pope Francis has brought some early Christmas cheer to a Co. Meath schoolboy who wrote to the Pontiff, seeking a hug when he visits Ireland in 2018. Six-year-old Ethan Toner was prompted to pen his letter when, on returning to a new term at St Dympna’s NS in Kildalkey, he felt unsettled and visited the…
Tiny minority opts out of Religious Education – study
Paul KeenanJust 1% of pupils in Irish Catholic schools are choosing to opt out of Religious Education classes, according to study submissions made to the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA). As the NCCA continues with plans for world religions to receive greater representation and coverage in schools via an Education about Religion and Beliefs…
Let’s hope mainstream media step outside their bubble in 2017
Breda O'Brien“Now that being a Christian is neither popular nor profitable, our cultural leaders veer just as markedly in the other direction”, writes Breda O’Brien
A total misapplication of the Pope’s teaching on mercy
David QuinnCondoning assisted suicide would be disastrous pastoral practice, writes David Quinn
‘The peace process has liberated me and allowed me to let go of bitterness’
Martin O'BrienJeffery Donaldson – one of the North’s most prominent unionists – tells Martin O’Brien about his journey of faith, his hopes for the future, plans for the Pope to visit and getting on with his Catholic neighbours
‘It’s faith that gives life a backbone’
The woman behind Crystal Swing talks faith and family with Paul Keenan
Maynooth advertises for new president
The national seminary at St Patrick’s College Maynooth is advertising for a new president. The position, advertised on the college website and elsewhere, is for a five-year term. Those wishing to apply for the job should submit their applications to Father Enda Cunningham, Secretary to the Trustees, c/o Columba Centre, Maynooth, Co Kildare, no later…
Christmas merriment and Christmas sadness
Mary KennyFor many people Christmas is a time of “remembering a past we can never recapture, of family and friends departed this world”, writes Mary Kenny
Apollo House occupation ‘no solution’ to homeless problem – campaigner
Staff Reporter The occupation of an empty Dublin office block in order to provide emergency housing for the city’s homeless could send a dangerous message that any kind of accommodation will do for homeless people, Fr Peter McVerry SJ has said. The campaigner’s comments came following the occupation of the 10-storey Apollo House on Tara…