Month: July 2015

This little book of spirituality is inspired by the writings of St John Cassian (circa 360 – 435 AD), the ascetic monk who introduced the concepts of Egyptian monasticism into the wider western Church, through his residence in Gaul. By her choice of title, the author alludes to that passage of the parable of tower…

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In a strange piece on cruxnow.com, Rosie Scammell interprets a Financial Times interview to say that “The Vatican’s financial chief, Cardinal George Pell, has taken the unusual step of criticising Pope Francis’ groundbreaking environmental encyclical, arguing the Catholic Church has ‘no particular expertise in science’.” This take, since echoed by Damian Thompson at blogs.spectator.co.uk and…

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A leading priest has criticised as “morally reprehensible” government reluctance to allow long-term direct provision users access to rent supports because of concerns that a more inviting system could draw asylum seekers to Ireland. Justice Minister Frances Fitzgerald has said there were no cheaper alternatives to the current arrangements and that changes to the system…

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The administrator of Carlow Cathedral had his prayers answered as he safely landed following a parachute jump on Saturday to raise money for the parish fund. Fr John Cummins and parishioners Mark Carpenter, Marie Therese Byrne and Jo Brecknell, completed a tandem skydive at Clonbullogue Airfield following weeks of collecting sponsorship around the parish. “It…

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Staff Reporter Concern has been expressed that thieves are targeting priests under the false impression that they keep large sums of money in parochial houses. Last week Msgr Joseph Donnelly and Fr Piotr Zimnoch were held by armed assailants looking for money in parochial houses in Drumrath parish, Omagh. Two days later Fr Peter Carlin was…

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Staff Reporter The President of St Patrick’s College, Maynooth has said he is “delighted” to have won the bid to host a major meeting of presidents and rectors of Catholic universities. The International Federation of Catholic Universies’ key meeting will bring together more than 200 of the most influential Catholic leaders in third-level education world-wide.…

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A Benedictine monk from Kerala in India who was visiting Portlaoise was injured in an attack on Saturday July 18.  Bro. Dominic Savio answered a call at the front door at about 11:30 at night, only to be pushed inside by two attackers bearing knives. A knife was held to his throat, and he was…

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