Over the centuries, the Catholic Church often has led the pack in two distinct specialties: Breaking your heart, and then stitching it back together again with a fresh infusion of hope. This past week brought classic examples of both. Out of Munich, we got a report from a law firm commissioned by the archdiocese documenting…
The Catholic Eparchy of Adigrat in Ethiopia has reiterated its urgent calls for dialogue and unhindered humanitarian access in Tigray, as the UN highlighted an opportunity for a peaceful settlement of the conflicts in the northern region. Father Abraha Hagos, director of the Adigrat Catholic Secretariat, said since December, the Church has been unable to…
The energy we have as restrictions end is a chance to call people back to Mass, Ruadhán Jones hears Some grim figures emerged during the pandemic, not least the fact that a good number of regular Mass-goers had not returned after the various lockdowns. However, the Government’s announcement Friday January 21 that the majority of…
As I write I hope Covid-19 restrictions will soon be lifted. Two groups – Irish National Opera (INO) and the National String Quartet Foundation – have had their current tours disrupted with changes to starting times and even some cancellations. Supported by Culture Ireland, INO’s nationwide tour of Vivaldi’s Bajazet is drawing to a close…
Coole parish is plumbing the depths of its past to find solutions to take it into the future, writes Jason Osborne The parish of Coole (Mayne) is located in north Westmeath and borders the parishes of Abbeylara, Rathowen, Multyfarnham, Taghmon, Castlepollard and Collinstown. A quick scan of its geography is completed when you take the…
As the threat of a Russian military incursion in Ukraine continues to loom, European bishops have urged peace, asking that both international law and the sovereignty of each nation involved in the conflict be respected while tensions escalate. In the statement, signed by Archbishop Gintaras Linas Grušas of Vilnius, Lithuania, President of the Council of…
Haughey by Gary Murphy (Gill Books, €27.99/£25.99) The distinguished philosopher, Sir Anthony Kenny, wrote apropos of an encounter with Charles J. Haughey that “on no other occasion in my life has anyone, with a straight face, told me so many lies that he knew were lies, and that he knew I knew were lies”. Many…
Personal Profile Fr Jim Connolly OFM Cap. first arrived in Zambia in December 1970, one of around 50 Irish Capuchins based in the country. Almost 52 years later and one of the last two Irish Capuchins remaining, Fr Jim continues to keep up their great tradition. Fr Jim, who grew up on a small farm…
Catholic politician rejects accusations in Islamophobia report A Catholic politician has objected to her inclusion in a report on Islamophobia in Europe, saying that it is based on “false accusations”. Marijana Petir, a member of the Croatian parliament, said that the reference to her and others in the European Islamophobia Report 2020, published on December 29,…
The Diocese of Down and Connor presented nine schools across the diocese with the annual ‘Spirit of Catholic Education Award’ to pay tribute to the “inspiring work” they have done. The ceremony was held in St Mary’s University College on Monday, January 24, during Catholic Schools Week, which runs from January 23-30. It was organised by the…
John L. Allen Jr.
Ruadhán Jones
Chai Brady