Peter Kasko In the opening paragraph of the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) we read the following: “God, infinitely perfect and blessed in himself, in a plan of sheer goodness freely created man to make him share in his own blessed life. For this reason, at every time and in every place, God…
Pope Francis on Monday hosted an international summit on the rights of the child, lamenting the millions who daily endure war, poverty, abuse, exploitation, depression and a lack of hope for the future. The February 3 summit, held in the Clementine Hall of the Vatican’s Apostolic Palace and titled, ‘Love them and protect them’, featured…
Zoey Maraist A sea of heart-shaped cards, candy and decor reminds couples that Valentine’s Day is around the corner. But at the same time, many Catholic parishes are preparing to celebrate a related but different memorial to love – World Marriage Day. The holiday began in Baton Rouge in 1981 when marriage enthusiasts declared…
Is 6:1-2a, 3-8 Ps 138:1-2, 2-3, 4-5, 7-8 1 Cor 15:1-11 or 1 Cor 15:3-8, 11 Lk 5:1-11 The question I hear most frequently from those I meet for the first time is this: “Why did you become a priest, and how did it happen?” To which I typically provide a quick and…
Pope Paul VI You are not hermits withdrawn from the world in order to better give yourselves to God. It is in the world, in action itself that you must sanctify yourselves. The spirituality which should inspire you will therefore have its own characteristics… Suffice it to say it in a word: only your…
Q: I’m a parish priest and recently, when I went to order hosts and sacramental wine for my parish, I noticed the company I usually shop from was offering something called “non-alcoholic church wine.” I told the lady on the phone that I imagine this isn’t valid matter for consecration at a Mass and advised…
Relentless Ministry – In a new series written by Priests, we will explore what most priests describe as “Relentless Ministry” and the challenges of being a priest in Ireland today The issue of closing churches has been grappled with so far in a seemingly haphazard way that needs to be tackled sooner rather than later.…
Man and woman have been created, willed by God, in perfect equality as human persons. ‘Being man’ or being ‘woman’ is a reality which is good and willed by God. Man and woman possess a dignity which comes to them immediately from God and both have one and the same dignity “in the image of…
Over 4000 people gathered in the streets of Derry on February 1 for a powerful Eucharistic Procession, an event that surpassed the initial expectation of less than 1000 attendees. The procession, described by Anto Crossey, who took part in the procession, as “a great spectacle” and “a powerful witness,” displayed the city’s religious fervour. James…
For years I never paid much attention to the growing narrative around childfree couples – and more visibly – childfree women. I was living my life and hadn’t really got that call to have children. I am still suspicious of whether men ever really get the call the way women do. It is rare that…
Fr Dominik Domagala
Renata Milán Morales