Pope Francis received ‘a frosty welcome’ at the Catholic University of Louvain for his praise for the role of motherhood in history, adding “what is characteristic of women, what is feminine is not determined by consensus or ideologies. It is not written on paper, but in the flesh.” Louvain expressed ‘incomprehension and disapproval’ at Francis’s…
Ireland has welcomed the gifting of a painted replica of the sacred Weeping Virgin Mother of Gyõr, presented by His Excellency Bishop András Veres of Gyõr, Hungary, on a recent visit to the island. This gesture reaffirms the deep historical and spiritual bond between Ireland and Hungary – a connection that extends over 350 years.…
Unladylike: A History of Ladies Gaelic Football by Hayley Kilgallon (New Island, €24.95 / £19.50) Beginning in the final quarter of the twentieth century, despite medical, religious and social objections, there was a remarkable increase in the number of girls and women participating in what were traditionally regarded as men’s sports. This trend was particularly noticeable…
St Martin Apostolate, located in Dublin, is hosting an extraordinary exhibition featuring a life-sized replica of St Bernadette of Lourdes, along with a first-class relic. This event offers a unique opportunity to see the saint’s likeness as she appears in her resting place at the convent in Nevers, France. The lifelike replica is housed in…
“I think today people are searching and beginning to realise that what society is offering is just not enough. There is something missing in our lives. I met people and I know others met people who have not been to a church in a long time. And this is kind of a step back,” said…
Letter from Rome Fans of the Roma soccer team, one of the two professional squads in the Eternal City, are in a grumpy mood these days. In part that’s because of the team’s uneven performance, but even more so because of perceived mismanagement by its American owners, Texas billionaire Dan Friedkin and his son Ryan.…
Fr Patrick Briscoe OP When I think about the saints most beloved by modern Catholics, Padre Pio tops the list. His weathered face and brown Capuchin habit are iconic. His remarkable personal story, his strong-willed personality and the intensity of his spiritual life are absolutely captivating. But here’s the thing: I think most people get…
Why don’t we preach hellfire anymore? That’s a question asked frequently by a lot of sincere religious people who worry that too many churches, priests, and ministers have gone soft on sin and are over-generous in speaking about God’s mercy. The belief here is that more people would come to Church and obey the commandments…
Notebook The driver was not having a good day! First he was annoyed by two children on bicycles and then was seriously irked by an elderly driver whose car stalled at traffic lights and, to cap it all, another motorist made it almost impossible for him to overtake. The children, the elderly driver and the…
Q: I’ve often wondered why Catholics emphasise the Eucharist more than the wine, as the wine is not offered at Communion time. Jesus said to do both in remembrance of him. Isn’t it wrong to not receive both as Jesus taught? A: First, the Eucharist is both the bread that becomes the body of Christ…
Mary Kenny
John L. Allen Jr.
Fr Ronald Rolheiser