A famous popular song, Baby, it’s Cold Outside – written in 1944 – has been banned on several American and Canadian radio networks for some time now because the male-female narrative implies a ‘lack of consent’ on the part of the female. Musically, it’s a great tune, cleverly syncopated between the male and female voice, as…
Leaders of Christianity, Judaism, and Islam presented a signed declaration to Pope Francis on Monday expressing their total opposition to euthanasia and any form of physician-assisted suicide, as well as voicing their support of palliative end-of-life care. The document was signed at the Vatican on October 28 by Archbishop Vincenzo Paglia, head of the Pontifical Academy…
Amid an unprecedented, massive uprising of the Lebanese population demanding a sweeping overhaul of the country’s political system, leaders of Catholic, Orthodox and evangelical churches in Lebanon assured the people: “We hear your cry.” In a statement following their emergency meeting last week led by Cardinal Bechara Rai, Maronite patriarch, the Christian leaders said of…
Catholics are being urged to mark the Aid to the Church in Need ‘week of witness’ by praying for those persecuted for their faith. Wednesday, November 27 – known as Red Wednesday – will see many churches and other buildings illuminated in red to recall Christian martyrs and those who have died for their faith.…
The political and economic protests roiling Haiti are causing unprecedented lawlessness and impunity, compounding the suffering of Haitians, said the head of an Italian foundation working there. “I know there are other situations around the world that are difficult and appealing for our attention, but here this is really a potential catastrophic situation,” said Fiammetta…
Waving goodbye to your child is hard but there are ways to cope, writes Colm Fitzpatrick There are times during parenthood when mums and dads fantasise about their child finally leaving home; perhaps it’s during the infancy stage after a series of sleepless nights, or when their stroppy teenager refuses to speak to them. It’s normal…
Mindful Living The contemplative traditions assert that the language for expressing and exploring the spiritual quest is silence. As St John of the Cross expressed it, ‘Silence is God’s first language’. Meditation does not create the silence – it is already there, within the person but meditation uncovers and reveals it.” Silence is the language…
Ireland is relying too heavily on foreign businesses rather than supporting Irish companies according to a prominent economist and bishop, after hundreds of jobs were lost after a Cork company closed. Formerly of UCD, economist Prof. Ray Kinsella told The Irish Catholic that multinational companies will go where the benefits are greatest and costs are…
Questions of Faith If you pop into any church around the world and have a look around, you’ll probably see a set of small candles burning with the option to light one yourself. The use of prayer or votive candles has become very popular in recent years, and they are usually lit in front of…
Ireland’s homeless crisis continues to worsen as Merchant’s Quay Ireland (MQI) has revealed new annual figures showing a 9% increase people accessing their services last year. MQI’s 2018 annual review saw a record number of 11,301 service users. Over 2,000 people availed of the charity’s emergency shelter and they provided 102,658 meals to the homeless…
Mary Kenny
Colm Fitzpatrick
Chai Brady