Personal Profile Fr Jaimie Twohig’s faith has been guided by both his earthly and heavenly mothers from its genesis, and it has coloured his very perception. “Ever since I’ve been ordained, and throughout my studies as well, it’s just a thing that I constantly have to learn, that we’re just really vessels of his love,”…
Top Covid TD questions whether Church lockdown is legal
Independent TD Michael McNamara has raised questions concerning the legality of church lockdowns in the event of a public health emergency. Taking note of a disparity between the Constitution and the European Convention on Human Rights, Mr McNamara has pointed out that “there is clearly a legal issue” about locking down on the basis of…
Ministering medically and spiritually at the margins
Personal Profile Medical Missionaries of Mary (MMM) is attempting to patch the world up both physically and spiritually, and Sr Carol Breslin is one of those who applies the bandages. Celebrating her Jubilee year with the congregation, Sr Carol’s interest in healthcare was first piqued by her mother’s example as she volunteered for various groups…
Bringing God’s love to the Holy Land and beyond
From her base in the Holy Land, Sligo-native Sister Bridget Tighe is working to alleviate a destitution most of us will never know, still less experience. General Director of Caritas Jerusalem, Sr Bridget is thoroughly rooted in the Middle East. Her first encounter with the area came through a missionary trip as part of her…
AI-generated image of Jesus goes viral
Dutch artist Bas Uterwijk’s depiction of Jesus has gone viral on Twitter, with users struck by the relatability and warmth of the visage. Commenting on the image, Dr Paul Caffrey of the National College of Art and Design (NCAD) in Dublin explained different aspects of the picture and its development. “The portrait is produced in…
Victim of bike thieves, priest exhorts public to donate bikes to refugees
After his own bike was stolen, Belfast-based Fr Martin Magill has taken the opportunity to ask the public to donate their unwanted bikes to immigrants and refugees. Initially taking to Twitter, Fr Magill was of a mind to get his bike back, posting: “Wee favour please – my red bike was stolen from Wellington Place…
Enclosed nuns reach out to ease people’s Covid despair
Monasteries around the country have been receiving increased calls from people experiencing despair about the meaning of life since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic in March. Speaking to The Irish Catholic, Sr Fiachra of St Mary’s Abbey, Co. Waterford, told of calls from “lots of people”, with those living in “apartments in cities” heavily represented.…
Revealing the man behind the myth
Jason Osborne hears about Irish historical figure Kevin Barry One of Ireland’s most famous national figures is also one of its youngest. The story of Kevin Barry is one that resonates still in the hearts of those it encounters, the 18-year-old executed by the British on the morning of November 1, 1920, for his part…
Trócaire to permanently close Dublin office
Trócaire has announced the decision to permanently close its Cathedral Street office in Dublin city centre from the end of September. The charitable agency of the Church recently reviewed the sustainability of the office, coming to the conclusion that it is no longer viable. They have been in operation on the site since 1983. Trócaire CEO…
The priest making the best of bad situations
Personal Profile Fr Kevin McNamara is a man familiar with making the best of bad situations. “I have a philosophy that you have to grow where you’re planted. Every place that I have worked in, including my current place, is bringing great challenges,” he tells The Irish Catholic. Parish priest of Moyvane, Co. Kerry, Fr…