Episode 4 – The terror of inner-city Dublin; Should we separate the Art from an abusive Artist; The decline in no. of priests in Clogher Diocese In the latest episode, Garry O’Sullivan and Michael Kelly discuss the current hot topics in Ireland – the consequences of a seemingly lawless inner-city Dublin for the general public…
Month: July 2023
The Confession Box – Episode 3
In this episode of The Confession Box, Garry O’Sullivan and Brandon Scott have a frank conversation with Fr Joe McDonald, author of Why the Irish Church Deserves to Die, about how prophetic and courageous the late Sinead O’Connor’s words were about the rampant abuse in the Catholic Church in Ireland and how shameful the reaction…
Bishops to debate future of controversial art by priest accused of abusing women
Chai Brady
Fr Rupnik’s Irish College mosaics may be axed Irish bishops are set to discuss the future of artwork in Rome’s Pontifical Irish College by a controversial priest-artist accused of abusing several adult women. The Jesuit Order this week confirmed that Fr Marko Rupnik has been expelled from the society, for “disobedience” and his future in…
Dublin city priest rejects Justice Minister’s ‘fatalistic’ comments
A priest based in Dublin city centre has described his parishioners as “fed up” with the lack of safety on the streets, and described Justice Minister Helen McEntee’s recent comments on the topic as “fatalistic”. This comes in the wake of a number of serious assaults in Dublin city centre which have left many hospitalised,…
Irish expats excited by women’s soccer efforts ‘Down Under’ says Irish priest
Ruadhán Jones
Irish expats living in Australia and many who have travelled over are “excited” to cheer on the women’s soccer team as they take part in the world cup for the first time, an Irish priest based in Sydney has said. “There’s more than the usual excitement for a world cup” around the Irish community, Fr…
Sr Briege McKenna set for Slane youth event
The greatest need in Ireland is to “renew the Faith” and young people should not be “undermined” by negativity, according to best-selling author and nun Sr Briege McKenna. Sr Briege, acclaimed for her healing ministry, will speak on World Youth Day in Slane, Co. Meath, in a ‘Light the Fire of faith’ service which will also feature Dana, who won Eurovision…
Church’s safeguarding body moves to tackle ‘level of bureaucracy’
The Church’s safeguarding body is conducting a review of safeguarding policies to address concerns that the level of bureaucracy may deflect from good practice and to take into account changes in legislation and canon law, as well as practical experience. Church personnel have expressed concerns about the “level of bureaucracy associated with safeguarding practice”, saying…
Clogher diocese facing severe clergy shortfall
There will be fewer than 10 priests covering 85 churches across Clogher diocese in less than 20 years, Bishop Larry Duffy has warned. Meanwhile, just one priest is due to be ordained for the diocese in the next seven years. Writing to the people of the diocese in a pastoral letter, Bishop Duffy said that…
Poet-convert to headline young adult conference in August
Catholic poet and convert Sally Read will be among the guest speakers at a young adult conference on August 19 and 20, organised by the Legion of Mary. Ms Read is to give a talk on her conversion from a committed atheist to a Catholic in the space of just nine months, sparked by research…
US religious freedom body highlights ‘hate speech’ concerns
The United States Commission of International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) has noted the trend towards ‘hate speech’ legislation as a cause for concern when it comes to religious freedom in Europe. This comes as Justice Minister Helen McEntee continues to back a bill, The Criminal Justice (Incitement to Violence or Hatred and Hate Offences) Act 2022,…