Courtney McGrailDear Editor, As stated in the Editor’s Comment on 29/01/2015, I agree that the current large majority in support of same-sex marriage may not hold to the referendum day. I think an explanation for this may lie in the fact that many of us, including practicing Catholics are moved emotionally by the simple argument that…
Month: February 2015
Stephen Fry’s questions needed answers
Dear Editor, Thank you for publishing Fr Brendan Purcell’s reply to Stephen Fry. (IC 05/02/15) I am a practising Catholic. But I often struggle with the questions that Mr Fry so passionately articulated. And many other practising Catholics do too. The questions deserve attempts at answers whether or not they come from atheists, and this…
No posing politicians please!
Dear Editor, Well done on your coverage of the recent installation of Archbishop Kieran O’Reilly as Archbishop of Cashel and Emily. As usual the photographs were excellent except for one major eyesore, i.e. the photo of Micheál Martin cosying up to the archbishop. This is a man who voted for introducing abortion into Ireland and…
Clergy in key position to address suicide
Mags GarganMags Gargan talks to the people behind a new initiative to equip clergy to support people affected by suicide
A DIY bird feeder for your garden
Erin FoxSnowdrops, daffodils, St Brigid crosses and birdsong are all key symbols of spring. With winter almost gone, you will see and hear more birds gathering in gardens. Food can be scarce for birds even at this time of the year so welcome birds into your garden by placing a bird feeder in the centre. You…
Dad’s Diary
As I write, my wife is in the kitchen chopping vegetables, while somehow keeping our six-month-old baby daughter happy. The older two sit each side of me on the sofa, where I balance my laptop, homework, crayons and a colouring book. The annual St Valentine’s Day extravaganza is passed, with its notions that love is shown…
Faith is meaningless if it cannot give answers
Michael KellyDoubt is like hunger or thirst, it calls us to seek nourishment
Pope’s reform agenda theme for talks
A highly-acclaimed expert on Pope Francis and his reform agenda for the Church will address two gatherings in Dublin and Limerick early next month. Dr Austen Ivereigh, who has recently completed The Great Reformer: Francis and the Making of a Radical Pope, will explore what the Pope’s teaching and ministry might mean in particular for…
Majority believe children happier raised by mother and father
Almost two thirds of people believe that a child is more likely to grow up happy if raised in a home with a mother and father. A survey carried out by Amárach Research on behalf of Accord, the Catholic marriage care service, has shown a strong support for marriage in Ireland. Some 61% considered marriage…
Irish survivor happy with progress of Vatican abuse commission
Following her participation at the latest meeting of a new Vatican commission set up by Pope Francis to fight sex abuse, a prominent abuse survivor has said she is happy with how progress is being made. Marie Collins had expressed her frustration at the slow pace of progress in advance of the three-day meeting of…