The Irish priest who deals with cases of clerical sex abuse worldwide for the Vatican has described how the work has impacted adversely on him and his colleagues. Fr John Kennedy has headed the discipline section of the Vatican’s Congregations for the Doctrine of the Faith since 2017. He said that the issue of abuse…
Hannah Harn learns about the history of the Jews of Iraq As of 2016, Ireland was home to fewer than 3,000 Jews. “In the region of Munster, we have about 95 people on a day to day basis and we’ll meet up occasionally,” said Aida Phelops of West Cork. Ms Phelops is a speaker…
The Government has said it is investigating a hospital which is refusing to provide abortions. Four consultant obstetricians at St Luke’s Hospital, Kilkenny, wrote to GPs in the area to advise that abortion services are not available in the hospital. The letter said it was “decided unanimously that the hospital is not an appropriate location…
Catholic Relief Services is monitoring the health situation in Uganda, following two confirmed deaths from the Ebola virus. “We consider even one case a very serious development,” said Niek De Goeij, Uganda Country Representative for Catholic Relief Services. “But while Ebola is a frightening disease, we’ve seen almost a year of critical preparedness efforts on the part…
Our Man: Richard Holbrooke and the end of the American century by George Packer (Jonathan Cape, £25/€30) Felix M. Larkin Richard C. Holbrooke, the subject of this biography, was a bombastic, egotistical, but immensely talented US diplomat who served at senior levels in the administrations of three Democratic presidents – Carter, Clinton and Obama. He…
A priest in Mexico City has been arrested for murder barely a week after he celebrated a funeral Mass for the victim. Fr Francisco Javier Bautista was arrested on June 19 and was charged with the murder of Hugo Leonardo Avendano Chavez, 29, who had recently graduated with a master’s degree from a Catholic university,…
This month, hundreds of people from the Diocese of Waterford and Lismore travelled as part of the annual diocesan pilgrimage to Lourdes. Now in its 61st year, 485 people made the journey, with 94 sick pilgrims as part of the group. Noting that all in attendance enjoyed the trip, Bishop Phonsie Cullinan told The Irish…
The Battle of the Four Courts by Michael Fewer (Head of Zeus, £20/€28) Easter Week in the GPO has been the subject of many books, providing a day by day, almost an hour by hour, account of what happened, if not why. The siege of the Four Courts in 1922 has not been so lucky. Yet…
More than 600 people attended the annual Pro Life Campaign dinner last weekend. The keynote speaker was Elma Walsh, mother of Donal Walsh, who captured the attention of the nation with his brave fight against cancer in 2013. The event took place at the Clayton Hotel in Ballsbridge. It is the fifth annual fund-raising dinner.…
Sweet Treats Laura Anderson This is a twist on a classic crumble flavour, that added orange gives it a lovely citrusy kick. Rhubarb is right in season at the moment so now is the best time to enjoy it. Its delicate pink colour makes it a perfect centrepiece for your summer dinner party. If…
Colm Fitzpatrick
Peter Costello