Mags GarganMags Gargan talks to the people behind a new initiative to equip clergy to support people affected by suicide
Month: February 2015
Stephen Fry’s questions needed answers
Courtney McGrailDear 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…
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…
The war-like state of Catholic discourse
President Obama has consistently sought a peaceful path among religions in the United States making sure that none feel excluded, writes Michael W. Higgins
‘Pattern is changing’ watchdog insists
Greg DalyChild safeguarding remains a vital part of the Church’s ministry, writes Greg Daly
Water is a lifeline in drought ravaged Ethiopia
Éamonn Meehan Over the coming weeks, over one million Trócaire boxes will be distributed the length and breadth of the island of Ireland. The face of Mahlet, the young Ethiopian girl on the front of this year’s box, will beam from homes, parishes, schools and businesses, as people join the annual campaign to support…
Church distances itself from criticism of Fifty Shades
Church 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…
Dominican Sisters celebrate first profession
At the first profession of Sr Eileen O'Connell in the Dominican Convent Chapel, Cabra, Dublin on Sunday are: (l-r) Sr Martina Phelan, Irish Mission Area Prioress; Sr Eileen O'Connell; Sr Marie Redmond, Director of Novices and Sister Helen Mary Harmey, Congregation Prioress of Dominican Sisters, Cabra. Photo: Alan Murphy
The referendum is not about equality of marriage
Dear Editor, The naming of the referendum on same sex marriage as the Marriage Equality Referendum is flawed and prejudicial to the running of a fair, transparent and balanced poll. The referendum is not about equality of marriage. It has a hidden deceitful agenda by the Government and it will not be in the best…
Wolf Hall’s anti-Catholic bias
Dear Editor, Last year I read Wolf Hall and Bring up the Bodies by Hilary Mantel about Thomas Cromwell’s life and times. I enjoyed both books very much, as Ms Mantel is a very talented writer. I was, to say the least, rather puzzled by her depiction of Thomas More’s character, who was known as…