The Polish archbishop tasked with overseeing Bosnia-Herzegovina’s Medjugorje shrine has outlined plans for expansion, including more Masses in different languages and facilities for young pilgrims who flock to the site of the alleged Marian apparitions. “Medjugorje represents Europe’s spiritual lungs, a place where millions discover God and the beauties of the Church,” said Archbishop Henryk…
I always find it really hard when the weather and seasons change, this affects my relationship, I find myself snappy and irritable towards my wife. How can I beat the winter blues? It’s understandable that after a lovely summer of sun that it might be especially hard not to be affected by the winter…
Fear: Trump in the White House by Bob Woodward (Simon and Schuster, €19.99) Peter Hegarty Fear, the revealing account of Trump’s time in the White House to date, Woodward’s 19th book since All the President’s Men, describes an “emotionally overwrought, mercurial, and unpredictable leader” and his chaotic administration, in which Woodward has excellent contacts. His book rests firmly…
There has been a “great increase” in attacks and kidnapping of missionaries by radical Islamists and poverty-stricken youths over the last 20 years, the Irish-born Superior General of the Society of African Missions (SMA) has said. This comes as an Italian missionary of the order was kidnapped last week in southwest Niger by an armed…
Despite ongoing deadlock in Stormont blocking a new suicide prevention plan, a specialist priest has said anyone “who is struggling” will be supported. Fermanagh-based Fr Cathal Deery, who trains clergy and chaplains in dealing with suicide, admitted it is “frustrating” that the Protect Life 2 strategy could not be implemented as it needs to be…
The Fort Wayne-South Bend Diocese’s release of the names of priests and deacons credibly accused of sexual abuse of a minor “is an appropriate step and part of a commitment to openness and transparency by the Church in this area” a member of the Indiana Diocesan Review Board has said. “I am hopeful too that…
An Irish family who met the Pope in Croke Park are a testimony to God’s transforming power, writes Greg Daly If few images caught Ireland’s imagination as much during the papal visit as much as Alison Nevin’s selfie with Pope Francis at the Festival of Families, few stories will have caught hearts as much…
We’re all familiar with the incident in the Bible where God changes the name of Abram to Abraham. The change seems so small that often times it isn’t even picked up by those reading that text. What’s the difference between Abram and Abraham? The name Abram, meaning ‘exalted father’, is the name given the great…
In the deepest dusk, I found myself in a Hampshire woods, reading the names of Irish holy women from their graves. Many of these departed nuns were born in the 19th Century, and had lived through times of great upheaval, war and conflict. It moved me to see my compatriots buried in exile, many long…
A free online course developed by Trinity College Dublin will allow learners worldwide to explore the history of Ireland through the Book of Kells. The new four-week online course will help people to learn more about the manuscript and begins on October 8. Called ‘The Book of Kells: Exploring an Irish Medieval Masterpiece’ it is…
Wendy Grace
Chai Brady
Greg Daly
Fr Ronald Rolheiser
Rory Fitzgerald