Walfrid: A Life of Faith, Community and Football, by Michael Connolly (Argyll Publishing, £20.00 /€24.00) This is an exciting account of the life of a man from the west of Ireland who has left a permanent mark on the history of modern Scotland. Dr Connolly dexterously explores the story which should fascinate everyone interested in the…
Improve mental health and join choir – charity A national mental health charity is encouraging people to join a choir, saying it has mental health benefits. Turn2Me said it strengthens a feeling of community, a reduction in stress levels and an improved feeling of social wellbeing. The charity referenced a study titled ‘It’s better together:…
My apologies if the tone of my contribution this month is a little depressing, but I hope there might be a more positive ending! In recent weeks I have been very conscious of people being filled with fear. Our TV news bulletins have been filled with images of terrified people caught up in natural disasters.…
Deacon Greg Kandra August 20, 20th Sunday in Ordinary Time Is 56:1, 6-7 Ps 67:2-3, 5, 6, 8 Rom 11:13-15, 29-32 Mt 15:21-28 At first blush, you can’t help but wonder: what kind of Jesus is this? The Jesus in this Gospel isn’t the comforting figure preaching love and mercy, with a light yoke and an easy…
Dear Editor, I write to express my heartfelt agreement with the sentiment that Fr Edward J. Flanagan should indeed be put on the path to sainthood [The Irish Catholic – August 3, 2023]. His remarkable life and selfless dedication to the welfare of vulnerable children, regardless of their skin colour, resonate as a beacon of…
Narrow secular definitions of diversity railroad debates about immigration, liberalism and more, Chai Brady hears A rapid societal shift in Ireland has led to what is often called the ‘culture wars’, a phenomenon occurring in many democratic societies which at best has led to healthy debate and discussion, at worst, distress and rage. Prof. Bryan…
Israeli President Isaac Herzog denounced the increasing violence against Christians in Israel during a visit August 9 to the Stella Maris Carmelite Monastery in Haifa. President Herzog was accompanied by Israel Police Inspector General Yaakov Shabtai and emphasised Israel’s commitment to the full protection of freedom of religion and worship. He met with patriarchs and…
I’m not a great fan of sumptuous costume dramas – sometimes there is too much costume and not enough drama. I was inveigled, not entirely against my will, to watch several episodes of Downton Abbey (Netflix). I found it very contrived, predictable and cliched. And yet because some characters and plot lines were interesting, I…
Robert De Niro is 80 this week. The most acclaimed actor of his generation has been appearing in films with religious subtexts almost since he started out, most notably in the films he made with his Catholic friend from Little Italy, Martin Scorsese. Scorsese was a former altar boy who once studied to be a…
Episode 5 – Michael Kelly of The Irish Catholic shares his experience of World Youth Day 2023In the latest episode of The Confession Box, Garry O’Sullivan and Brandon Scott chat to Michael Kelly, editor of The Irish Catholic newspaper about his experiences at World Youth Day and the challenges parishes face in trying to provide…
Chai Brady
Brendan O’Regan
Aubrey Malone