An injection of $1.1million (€1m) will benefit humanitarian programmes, the resettlement of refugees and internally displaced people, and peacebuilding efforts in violence-ravaged communities in South Sudan under a programme initiated by the Italian bishops’ conference. Spread over three years, the gift coincides with South Sudan’s eighth anniversary of independence and will aid the country’s recovery…
Bishop Brendan Kelly has dubbed the vandalism of a Galway mosque over the weekend as a “wilful and malicious assault”. The Bishop of Galway, Kilmacduagh and Kilfenora said himself and many of the people of Galway are “dismayed and shocked” at the attack on the Maryam Mosque in Galway city. He said: “An attack on…
Indonesian authorities released the names of a couple whom they believe to have orchestrated a January terrorist attack on a cathedral in the Philippines. Dedi Prasetyo, spokesman for Indonesia’s National Police, said last week that Rullie Rian Zeke and his wife Ulfah Handayani Saleh had detonated suicide bombs at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Cathedral…
Living the Mystery: What lies between Science and Religion by Mark Patrick Hederman (Columba Books, €19.99) Christopher Moriarty This book is a heartfelt plea from its erudite author who has spent more than 50 years of his life as a Benedictine monk. As a devoted man of religion, he celebrates the value of faith and, as…
Almost four months after a fire destroyed the roof of Notre-Dame de Paris, officials are concerned that the building is still at risk of collapse. Now instead of a fire threatening the 850-year-old building, it is the record summer temperatures that may further erode the stonework. France, and most of Europe, is in the midst…
Trócaire has condemned the demolition by Israeli authorities of Palestinian homes in the West Bank, describing such demolitions as illegal and driven by a desire to disconnect communities. Responding to reports from the Israeli human rights organisation B’Tselem that authorities planned to demolish 13 buildings – including at least 14 apartments – last week, the…
A senior Catholic Church official called on Philippine legislators to work for the benefit of the people and not blindly follow what President Rodrigo Duterte wants, including his plan to reinstate the death penalty. Rodolfo Diamante, executive secretary of the Episcopal Commission on Prison Pastoral Care, urged members of Congress “not to pass measures just…
While it can be a source of worry for many to think about the future of religion in Ireland, a Dublin conference which gathers young believers from all corners of the island is proving that the Faith is in strong and able hands. The Evangelium project seeks to be a platform to inspire and encourage…
A Farewell to Poetry: selected Poems and Translations by Gabriel Fitzmaurice (Currach Press, €19.99) Seamus Cashman The title of this collection invites echoes of its author’s friend and fellow poet Michael Hartnett’s Farewell to English — and who knows, perhaps Gabriel’s mind is quietly nurturing a similar outcome? Though it is a challenging title, it…
Negative thoughts can cause more damage than you think, writes Madison Duddy With stresses like work, family, friends, relationships and money, it’s hard to stay positive. Some days, people feel like it is just one thing after another. On days like that, when the alarm doesn’t go off, the car won’t start and coffee…