Dear Editor, Whenever the media do a story that involves the Church it very often elicits very vindictive comments from readers. Recent examples included ‘that vile institution,’ ‘this evil cult’. I spent my youth in five different schools taught by nuns, priests and Christian Brothers. Some were strict and dished out corporal punishment which I…
The Sunday Gospel Fr Silvester O’Flynn OFM Cap. Lent takes us from last Sunday’s encounter with Satan in the wilderness to this Sunday’s vision of the transfigured Lord on the mountain (Mark 9:2-10). Jesus took three apostles, Peter, James and John with him up a high mountain where they could be alone. From a mountain…
There are so many hot button issues out there, so many battles in the culture wars, so many threats to democracy, it can all get a little head wrecking. It’s welcome then to get a debate that’s calm and reasoned, like the discussion on free speech with our own David Quinn and Nathan Young, deputy…
The Glass Castle (Amazon) is an impressive tale of a hardscrabble American family struggling to stay afloat under an alcoholic father (Woody Harrelson). He’s continually enabled in his dysfunctionality by his ever-jolly wife (Naomi Watts). His children seem to have an incredible ability to soak up punishment. His favourite one is played by Brie Larson.…
For believers, the ability to practice their faith and receive spiritual guidance are “the highest of essential services”
Health authorities should make vaccines available for carers, chaplains and priests who conduct funerals “as a matter of priority”, the Council for Healthcare of the Bishops’ Conference has said
Archbishop Martin has offered apologies and expressed a desire “to make atonement” in his video message to victims and survivors, as the Catholic Church in Ireland marks its Day of Prayer for Victims and Survivors of Abuse. Speaking in the video, Archbishop Eamon said, “No wonder so many people who have been abused find it…
Churches must be reopened for public worship, evangelical pastors and their congregations have told the Government in a new video campaign, saying “man cannot live by bread alone”. The video, which was posted less than 24 hours ago, has already seen hundreds of shares and likes on social media platforms. Speaking to The Irish Catholic, Pastor John Ahern of…
Vatican staff who refuse to be vaccinated against Covid-19 could be sacked under a decree made public by the city state, which employs around 5,000 people. An employee must have a documented medical reason for refusing a jab or face “consequences of various degrees which may go as far as the termination of employment,” according…
Lent is a time to reconsider the path one is taking in life and to finally answer God’s invitation to return to him with one’s whole heart, Pope Francis has said. “Lent is not just about the little sacrifices we make, but about discerning where our hearts are directed,” he said, “toward God or toward…
Brendan O’Regan
Aubrey Malone
Ruadhán Jones
Michael Kelly