Courtney McGrailDear Editor, We will be asked soon to change the Irish Constitution in favour of same-sex marriage. Unfortunately the possible outcome of the deliberately distorted propaganda by the Government around the word ‘equality’ will produce a ‘yes’ vote. How sad to see a Government desperate to be re-elected exploiting the emotions of society in this…
Month: February 2015
Pope Francis was speaking in the context of Italian fertility crisis
Mary KennyWhen we consider Pope Francis’ remarks about it being rather selfish not to have children, we have to see it in the context of Italy today. Italy’s low birth rate is catastrophic. The famously child-loving Italians currently have their lowest rate of births since 1870, with just 8.5 babies born for every 1,000 of the…
Sr Stan Lenten reflection
Homelessness campaigner Sr Stan Kennedy will direct a special evening of reflection for Lent in St John the Baptist Church in her home place of Lios Póil (Lispole) on Monday, February 23 at 7:30pm. The Irish Sister of Charity and Focus Ireland founder will explore the vital place and importance of a strong sense of…
Scrapped education cuts not “said and done” – University head
Cathal BarryThe principal of St Mary’s College, Belfast, has expressed concern that the North’s Higher Education Minister will continue to target his college, despite plans to cut the teacher training college’s funding being overturned. Prof. Peter Finn welcomed the decision taken by the Northern Ireland Executive to retain the premia for the University Colleges. However, he…
European solidarity requires a deal to solve debt burden
Lucinda Creighton, The View
Church distances itself from criticism of Fifty Shades
Mags GarganChurch spokespeople have distances themselves from controversial comments about the film Fifty Shades of Grey made by a high-profile priest. Fr Paddy McCafferty, who serves in the Co. Down parish of Crossgar, has appealed to Catholics to avoid the film, which he describes as “contrary to the Faith and offends against human dignity”. Fr McCafferty…
Derry ‘Youth Fest’ to get teens talking
An initiative from the pastoral council of Long Tower Parish in Derry City is aiming to help young people to discuss and tackle issues affecting their lives. Youth Fest will involve a series of four interviews held throughout the year to discuss issues of concern expressed by young people, teachers and parents in the parish.…
On a mission of mercy to do God’s work
Greg DalyThousands of people are due in Dublin this weekend for the Divine Mercy Conference, writes Greg Daly
Is marriage between two people of the same sex a human right?
The Irish Catholic has asked an interdisciplinary team, which includes Prof. Eamonn Conway and Dr Rik Van Nieuwenhove, theologians at Mary Immaculate College University of Limerick, and Mr Patrick Treacy SC of Integritas, to consider and respond to the difficult questions we all face when deciding how to vote in the referendum.
We cannot equate gay and traditional marriage
Dear 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…