Carl E. Olson It is something of a tradition for magazines and newspapers to run articles about the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ in the weeks leading up to Easter. Scholars, pastors, skeptics and ordinary people weigh in with their opinions. Some argue the Resurrection never took place. Down through time there have…
Easter converts ‘fabulous’ for Ireland’s parishes
Ruadhán Jones and Chai Brady Dozens of adults and young people were welcomed into the Church in Ireland over Easter weekend, with parishes praising the “great signs” of hope these conversions bring for local communities. Many of the new converts are young people who have come to Ireland to make their home and through the…
Tug of war between Catholicism and politics
Catholicism and republicanism have long been uncomfortably intertwined, writes Martina Purdy For the Irish, the great Christian feast of Easter is somehow fused with the great rebellion of 1916. Patrick Pearse, who wrote the Proclamation, placed the Irish Republic under the protection of “the most High God.” How many Irish politicians would use…
How to be ‘distinctly Catholic’ in a polarised political world
The current political world can be dispiriting but there are ways in which you can affirm both faith and political beliefs, writes Charlie Camosy Kenneth Craycraft, associate professor of moral theology at Mount St Mary’s Seminary and School of Theology in Cincinnati, Ohio, has a new book, Citizens Yet Strangers: Living Authentically Catholic in…
Laity ‘crying out’ for good faith formation
The big philosophical questions about faith can’t be ignored, writes Eoin McCormack Almost two years on from the local synodal gatherings held in parishes across the country it seems appropriate as we celebrate season of Easter – the fundamental basis for our Christian identity – to assess our efforts in responding to one of…
Simon Harris, the ghost of Leo Varadkar and a party in its death throes
Dr Eoin Lenihan It is now a familiar story. A young media darling in a rush to the top is installed as the leader of Fine Gael and the country – without the electorate having a say in the matter. Mirroring Leo Varadkar’s meteoric rise to Taoiseach, Simon Harris is set to become…
Simon Harris, the ghost of Leo Varadkar and a party in its death throes
Dr Eoin Lenihan It is now a familiar story. A young media darling in a rush to the top is installed as the leader of Fine Gael and the country – without the electorate having a say in the matter. Mirroring Leo Varadkar’s meteoric rise to Taoiseach, Simon Harris is set to become Ireland’s youngest…
Joseph’s perfect wife and her perfect son
Hosffman Ospino A while ago, writing about St Joseph, I was intent on lifting up his human experience while calling out quick attempts to idealise this important person in Jesus’s life. Joseph was a husband, a father, an immigrant, a worker, a neighbour, a friend, a companion. In response, I received a note from…
On Ukraine, Pope Francis has a point
Pope’s call for courageous negotiations a red flag to critics, writes Dr Michael Sanfey Remarks by Pope Francis during a recent interview with Swiss TV have sparked outrage. As The Pillar reported, Francis was asked about global conflicts and his hopes for peace. The Pope responded “I believe that the stronger one is the one…
Looking at the Oscar nominees for best picture through the lens of human dignity
The Oscars are associated with glitz but the films on show depict human dignity in a variety of ways, writes Sr Hosea Rupprecht Awards season is particularly exciting for a film reviewer. I enjoy talking about the stunning work of actors, editors, directors, writers, make-up artists, composers and others. But as a Catholic film…