We must remember, “our bodies, yours and mine, at the final judgement, will be raised from the dead and reunited with our souls”, writes Andrew O’Connell The Paschal Triduum, culminating in the Exsultet at the Easter Vigil, is a beautiful and profound spiritual experience. At its heart is the stunning reality of the Resurrection of…
“A rough calculation, based on this exit poll, would put weekly Mass attendance among Catholic voters at about 40%”, analyses Andrew O’Connell The recent exit poll, conducted by Behaviour and Attitudes for RTÉ on election day, included questions on religious affiliation and church attendance. Voters were quizzed as they left their polling stations across the…
“Our time needs credible people who can speak of God in a way that makes God real”, writes Andrew O’Connell While the rest of the country was engrossed in election tallies last Saturday morning, I was at the Chester Beatty Library in Dublin where all one hundred seats were filled for a private screening of…
“We should not forget the quiet but vibrant faith which still remains”, writes Andrew O’Connell Three simple stories taught me something of the mission of people of faith in Ireland today. Firstly, I was walking past a church in Dublin last week and, instinctively, blessed myself. A young woman walking against me noticed and, looking mildly…
In spite of the sometimes overwhelming challenges, it is important for religious to retain joy and confidence, writes Andrew O’Connell I’m writing this week’s Notebook from St Mel’s Cathedral in Longford where a hundred or so religious from across the Diocese of Ardagh and Clonmacnois have gathered for a conference hosted by Bishop Francis Duffy…
“If the Pope’s messages sounded bleak, it is because he cares at a deeply personal level about people who suffer”, writes Andrew O’Connell A perceptive article about Pope Francis appeared in the Economist magazine last week. It noted the downbeat tone of some of the Holy Father’s addresses during the lead-in to the festive season,…
“On Christmas Eve, as though in some cosmic collaboration, we are all afforded a brief moment of stillness, peace and quiet”, writes Andrew O’Connell
Showing mercy may not always be easy but we must show mercy as God calls us to do, writes Andrew O’Connell
As with many who went on to become saints, Mother Teresa also experienced darkness and suffering, writes Andrew O’Connell
Andrew O’Connell remembers an inspirational author and lecturer who captivated his audience with his intelligence and spiritual depth