Parishes should engage “tech savvy” young people and encourage them to be ‘digital missionaries’ the Primate of All Ireland has told The Irish Catholic. Archbishop Eamon Martin agreed that as many people active in parishes were not familiar with social media, young people can be the answer to spreading the Gospel online. This was a…
Pope Francis has said that he continues to visit retired Pope Benedict XVI, 92, who is like a grandfather who continues to encourage him and give him strength. “I take his hand and let him speak. He speaks little, at his own pace, but with the same profoundness as always. Benedict’s problem are his knees,…
Pat O’Kelly Festival is a word that can be abused but with Great Music in Irish Houses I think it can be applied without hesitation. This annual event began in 1970 when it was then, and for many years afterwards, known as the Music in Great Irish Houses Festival. In its initial year it embraced…
Dear Editor, We in the Republic of Ireland have had the most anti-Christian government in Europe for the past eight years. We have had legislation redefining marriage, legalising abortion and now proposals leading to quickie divorces. In addition religious symbols have been removed from hospital wards and corridors and every effort is being made to…
The author of Does Religion do More Harm Than Good? talks to Greg Daly In a way, Rupert Shortt admits, the central question posed by his new book Does Religion Do More Harm than Good? Is a ridiculous one. As has been pointed out, he says, religion is an aspect of culture, and it shouldn’t…
Comments made by a US bishop who told Catholics not to go or support any LGBTQ Pride events have been dubbed “hugely offensive” and not based in fact. Bishop of Providence, Rhode Island, Thomas Tobin also said on social media the events “promote a culture and encourage activities that are contrary to Catholic faith and…
A former moderator of the Presbyterian Church says political parties are “within touching distance” of an agreement. Rev Ken Newell told The Irish Catholic that there is a “very strong desire” among Unionists on the ground to get up and running. “If you believe in Unionism and you have no institutions locally to demonstrate that,…
Australian prelate’s appeal begins This week sees Australian Cardinal George Pell making a case for a last chance of freedom, with his case being heard by the Appeals Division of the Supreme Court of Victoria. Three judges will preside over the June 5-6 hearing, with a decision expected within several months. The cardinal was convicted…
In the first parish where I served as curate, the retirement of the sacristan was a major event. This man was quite elderly, having served at the church for many years, after retirement from his civil service job. I don’t know what the parish paid him over those years, if anything: I presumed his government…
Contemplating the Camino – An Ignatian Guide by Brendan McManus SJ (Messenger Publications, €4.95 / £4.50) This little pamphlet is intended not as a guide to the actual trails from France across the north of Spain, so much as an aid to the inner, mystical path of which it is an exemplar. The author takes…
Susan Gately
Greg Daly
Peter Costello