Q: How is it possible that the Orthodox practice of the Sacrament of the Eucharist would ever be considered as the true body and blood of Christ from the Catholic perspective simply because of an understanding outside of the unbroken chain of apostolic succession? A: For context, let us review what we mean when we…
1500 years from the death of St Brigid, the legacy of her faith in Jesus and beautiful attitude of mercy is being celebrated and remembered in the cathedral that carries her name in Kildare town. Dean Isobel Jackson talks with Ray Hayden about Brigid’s life story and inspiring leadership in founding her monastery in…
The Irish Medical Council has recently issued a new 9th edition of the Guide to Professional Conduct and Ethics. This is a very important document for medical doctors, because it is against this code that their professional conduct and practice is measured. Unfortunately, there are “numerous defects” in the new edition of the guide, according…
A spokesperson for the Commission of the Bishops’ Conferences of the European Union (COMECE) has welcomed the recently agreed EU Pact on Migration and Asylum but cautioned that there is room for improvement. Speaking at a high-Level meeting between the European Commission and religious leaders on the theme ‘The European Way of Life in times…
Kenya-based Kiltegan missionary Fr Gabriel Dolan SPS who has risked his life to support the poor and vulnerable was awarded a 2023 Presidential Distinguished Service Award by President Michael D. Higgins last week. Following the award, Fr Dolan told The Irish Catholic he was “honoured” and that he believes “it’s a recognition that the Church…
There is no place for wellbeing programmes that “deny” the Catholic Church’s unique understanding of humanity in Catholic schools, a major international conference attended by Ireland’s leading educators has heard. Speaking at the Global Researchers Advancing Catholic Education (GRACE) conference at the University of Notre Dame Australia in Perth last week, Irish theologian Prof. Eamonn…
The Church’s view of life as a gift informs its view of the practice of surrogacy, writes Maria Wiering “The gift of life which God the Creator and Father has entrusted to man calls him to appreciate the inestimable value of what he has been given and to take responsibility for it.” So begins the…
“As followers of Christ, we are called to speak up for the rights and dignity of asylum seekers and refugees … they are not to be targeted or penalised, abused or frightened,” the Archbishop of Dublin has said. “In the last two years, this country and others have welcomed, vast numbers of people fleeing the cynical war…
Bill Dodds On their wedding day, a bride and groom may have stars in their eyes, but they have rocks in their heads if they think their partner isn’t going to: Drive them nuts. Sometimes. Take them for granted. On occasion. Do something that truly hurts them. Once in a while. Husband does it…
Patricia Casey The sexual abuse of children by priests has been a huge stain on the life of the Catholic Church, particularly in Ireland, the United States and parts of Europe. It has damaged the wellbeing of its victims, leading some to take their own lives. It has ruined the reputation of Catholicism in…