Part 2 of a new series on Faith in modern Ireland with Eoin McCormack Have you ever found yourself in the often-awkward position in work or in another other social setting where you are somehow elected the spokesperson for all things Catholic? Over the next few weeks, this column will explore how we can better…
The Franciscans in Killarney heard the first professions of five Brothers on August 15. They lived in Ireland for a year volunteering and helping the community, and now are back to their countries. One of the five brothers, Bro. Vincent McDonnell talked to The Irish Catholic about his experience in Ireland, his background, his faith…
The 3rd annual Slí Cholmcille Walking Pilgrimage/Retreat took place from July 21 to July 28 and was a resounding success. Initiated in 2022 by Fr Brendan Mc Manus SJ, this year’s Walking Pilgrimage/Retreat was led by Jim Deeds, an experienced and inspiring spiritual guide. 20 participants embarked on a journey from Donegal’s Rosses, walking through…
Inside each of us, beyond what we can picture clearly, express in words, or even feel distinctly, we have a dark memory of having once been touched and caressed by hands far gentler than our own. That caress has left a permanent mark, an imprint of a love so tender and deep that its memory…
The Restructuring of Irish Dioceses edited by Eugene Duffy (Dominican Publications, €20.00 / £17.50) This book, the publishers explain, “provides a timely and thought-provoking exploration of the challenges facing the Catholic Church. The boundaries of Ireland’s 26 dioceses, unchanged since the 12th century, no longer reflect the distribution of the Catholic population.” But such demographic change…
The release by the Vatican’s Pontifical Academy for Life of a new booklet on end-of-life issues ‘Small Lexicon on End of Life’ comes at a time when the final stages of life are subject to increasing scrutiny – both in Ireland and abroad. The booklet continues to offer a clear “no” to euthanasia and assisted…
As promised last time round here is a little more about Waterford-born composer William Vincent Wallace (1812-1865). Now, it must be remembered Wallace revelled in story telling with one commentator claiming he was ‘charming but unprincipled, and his habitual untruthfulness makes it hard to determine real facts about him’. Wallace definitely was in Mexico City…
Q: Some people have said a spiritual communion is the same as a sacramental Communion when one has a sincere desire and cannot receive otherwise. If this is so, why do we say, “Since I cannot now receive you sacramentally, come at least spiritually into my heart.” Would it count in the case of making…
Letter of the week Reform broken system to save children Dear Editor, A Tribunal of Inquiry into the State and ministerial neglect of children under the care of Tusla may not be enough [The Irish Catholic – August 22, 2024], a complete rehaul of Tusla is in order and the General Election can’t come fast…
With TV and Radio, I yearn for something different, unexpected and original. I rarely get it – predictability is the order of the day. The interview with Irish Times Religious Affairs correspondent Patsy McGarry on Brendan O’Connor (RTÉ Radio 1, Saturday) fell for the most part into the ‘predictable’ category as the host teased out…
Renata Steffens
Brandon Scott
Fr Ronald Rolheiser
Peter Costello
Brendan O’Regan