Dennis Sandowski President Joe Biden’s plan to withdraw US armed forces from Afghanistan by September 11 is leading observers to renew concerns about continued progress on human rights, the status of democratic reforms and whether a resurgence of violence will set back the war-beleaguered country. When leaving without a peace accord and peacekeeping forces, we…
It is probably the dread of every Catholic parent that some day their child will say: “I do not believe what you believe.” As a result, we may be reluctant to get into conversations about faith because at some level we feel it is better not to enquire too deeply, to open up too challenging…
Personal Profile Lockdown has left many people, businesses and organisations struggling and the Pioneer Association – a Catholic movement against alcohol abuse – is no different. Knowing this, for life-long member and activist Mary Brady it was a no-brainer to put her recovery from a hip operation to good use. She has raised more than…
Mindful Living This monthly column explores the nature of mindfulness and meditation practices in light of human spirituality. A recurring theme has been the need to encourage individuals and families to develop a greater awareness of the innate spirituality of the human person and to discover how meditation awakens and nourishes it. However, it is…
Catholics in a northern Thai province have been supporting thousands of displaced Karen refugees from Myanmar — in stark contrast to the Thai government’s unwelcoming policy regarding refugees and migrants from the military-ruled neighbouring country. Church leaders joined by Catholics in Chiang Mai have welcomed and supported thousands of Karen refugees with aid after they…
Israel Olatunde is sprinting ahead as the world stands still, but sees God as the greatest prize, writes Jason Osborne Few activities are as liberating as running as fast as you can. For some reason as we grow up, we do it less and less, but most of us can remember the ecstatic joy of…
Ten years before his death in 1996, Henri Nouwen was beset by a depression that nearly broke him. While in treatment, he wrote a very powerful book, The Inner Voice of Love, in which he humbly and candidly shared his struggles and the efforts it took to overcome them. At times, he felt completely overwhelmed…
Sweet Treats Carrot cake is an essential springtime treat, this recipe gives a delicious, moist cake with the perfect balance of nuttiness and spice. If you’re not a fan of walnuts, pecans could be used instead. Or if you’re a lover of raisins in your carrot cake feel free to add them in when adding…
Newly beatified martyrs can inspire fidelity to God, says Pope The Catholic Church’s newest blesseds are six “meek disciples of Christ”, who showed heroic courage defending the Eucharist from profanation when French troops sacked their Italian monastery in 1799 and scattered the Blessed Sacrament on the floor while searching for any valuables they could carry…
Notebook What links the start of the tax year in the UK with the feast of the Annunciation? “Nothing” might be the instinctive reaction, but it would be incorrect. Once upon a time in mediaeval England, the New Year (and the start of the tax year) coincided with feast of the Annunciation on March 25.…
Bairbre Cahill
Ruadhán Jones
Fr Ronald Rolheiser