The president of The Catholic University of America has voiced his support for a student government resolution that asked the university to block the 200 most popular porn sites from its internet system. “I am so proud of our students,” CUA president John Garvey wrote in an op-ed for the Arlington Catholic Herald on April 24. “This…
Feargal Quinn was a “pragmatic” businessman and politician who was confident in his Catholic identity, according to Sen. Rónán Mullen. Describing Mr Quinn, who died last week aged 82 at his home in Howth, as someone who “grew up in an era when to be Catholic was normal”, Sen. Mullen said the onetime supermarket entrepreneur…
A Concise History of the Sunnis and Shi’is by John McHugo (Saqui Books, £20.00) John Bruton A few years back, very few Westerners would have been aware of the distinction between the Sunni and Shia branches of Islam. The aftermath of the invasion of Iraq changed all that. In a timely book, entitled A Concise History of…
“I’m a practicing mystic!” A woman said that in one of my classes some years ago and it raised lots of eyebrows. I was teaching a class in mysticism and asked the students why the topic of mysticism interested them. Their responses varied: some were simply intrigued with the concept; others were spiritual directors who…
Sweet Treats Laura Anderson Carrot cake is an essential springtime treat, this recipe gives a delicious, moist cake with the perfect balance of nuttiness and spice. If you’re not a fan of walnuts, pecans could be used instead. Or if you’re a lover of raisins in your carrot cake feel free to add them…
Personal Profile Hannah Harn Working in child safeguarding was a passion for one Kerry woman after a career of teaching, but not everybody was willing to change their operating procedures. When she ran into resistance from her trainees, Bridie Cronin refused to give up. “I know a lot of parish representatives and priests didn’t…
“Simon, son of John, do you love me?” – a question asked not once, but three times. Each time when Simon Peter responds, “Yes, Lord, you know I love you,” Jesus invites Peter’s response to go beyond words, to action, “Feed my lambs, feed my sheep.” These weeks beyond Easter Sunday present us with the…
Schools census figures have revealed there are now more Catholic pupils in schools than ever in the North of Ireland. Government statistics show 175,617 Catholic students enrolled this year, making up 50.7% of all enrolments. This is the first time the figure has increased over 175,000. This is contrasted with a plunge in the amount…
Prayerful Ireland by Helena Connolly (Messenger Publications, €19.95) This richly illustrated book (mentioned briefly at Christmas time) is worth a longer notice, for as the summer days draw out (hopefully) the places she mentions may well be worth a visit. Her approach is suggested by the cover itself which shows an unusual view of Lough Derg,…
Be inspired by the saints of history, Pope urges In back-to-back audiences with a group of French young people and an Italian association for deaf people, Pope Francis has cited personal example and witness as a vital piece in the Church’s evangelisation mission. Meeting with young people from the Diocese of Aire et Dax in southwestern France, the Pope encouraged them to remain…
Greg Daly
Fr Ronald Rolheiser
Bairbre Cahill
Peter Costello