John F Deane This book by the Berryman scholar, Philip Coleman, is beautifully timed, both as a celebration of Berryman’s birth 100 years ago, and in its work to challenge assumptions about the poetry that have tended to diminish Berryman’s worth. Assessment of a poet may change from generation to generation. So-called ‘confessional’ poets have…
Month: October 2014
Better religious instruction in school
Dear Editor, There is lots of talking about the lack of vocations to the priesthood and religious life but no word at all about the lack of religious instruction in our national schools since Vatican II. It is nonsense to expect young men and young women to give their lives to Jesus Christ when they…
Ireland’s workers up in arms?
The Irish Citizen Army by Ann Matthews (Mercier Press, €14.99/£11.99)
Watered-down doctrine will not attract a larger flock
Dear Editor, Since the inception of Pope Francis’ pontificate, there has been a well-intentioned attempt to restore the attractiveness of the Gospel for those to whom it has lost its sheen. However, this has played out as the soft-pedalling of the gravity of moral doctrine on human sexuality in a post-Vatican II spirit of Jesuitical…
Inspiring thoughts from Pope Francis
Peter CostelloPope Francis: Thoughts and Words for the Soul by Jorge Mario Bergoglio ed. by Giuseppe Costa (White Star Publishers, €12.28/£11.50)
Time to challenge narrow thinking
Dear Editor, David Quinn’s article “Time for Church leaders to help students who have been silenced in our colleges” (IC 09/10/14), highlights the apparent intolerance for pro-life or Catholic views in our universities among student unions and the student body, and calls for Church leaders to support Christian students. To be openly Christian in universities…
Adults can lead by example at Mass
Adults can lead by example at Mass Dear Editor, For thousands of people who were never taught good catechesis, the Catholic Church is assessed by how they see its members (including priests) behaving in the ordinary living of life. The Church is also judged by the quality of honour, adoration and meaningfulness associated with…
The mysteries of Marco Polo
His encounters with Christianity is one of the mysteries of Marco Polo
Parishes nationwide raise incredible €8m for Trócaire
Mags GarganCharity witnesses great expression of people’s generosity
A strong case for women deacons
Dear Editor, While the issue of the non-ordination of women to the priesthood is final, is it possible that their acceptance to the diaconate will eventually be accepted by the Magisterium of the Church? I venture to say that their acceptance would be welcomed by clergy and laity alike, although I acknowledge there would be…