Mags GarganClerics ministering to the Travelling community have said that Irish society’s treatment of Travellers is an example of our attitudes towards the vulnerable. The Bishop of Wateford & Lismore told The Irish Catholic the controversy over the temporary placement of Travellers in Carrickmines in Dublin, “after the tragic fire which claimed 10 lives”, has brought…
Month: October 2015
Limerick synod to tackle major issues facing the Church
Cathal BarryA number of major themes have been selected for the diocesan synod next year, writes Cathal Barry
Facilitating encounter and healing
Martin O'BrienCorrymeela leader Pádraig Ó Tuama tells Martin O’Brien about the reconciliation and peace-building organisation
Widespread confusion on role of pastoral councils
A review of the parish based initiative has revealed uncertainty about how to face challenges, writes Cathal Barry
Direct provision: Living in limbo
One year after promises of reform, the waiting game continues for those trapped in Ireland’s asylum system, writes Mags Gargan
Breaking down the Church decentralisation debate
John L. Allen Jr.The issue of divorced and vivilly remarried Catholics returning to Communion is a vexed one for bishops at the synod, writes John Allen
Persecuted but not forgotten
Paul KeenanA priest who escaped Islamic State offers true Christian witness, writes Paul Keenan
Synod must define what being Catholic means
Courtney McGrailDear Editor, The dispute within Britain’s Labour Party over its ability to win the next (2020) general election is similar to the issues facing our bishops at the synod in Rome. In Britain, the argument seems to be that Labour must do whatever it has to do in order to become electable, a position rejected…
Lack of compassion in comments on same-sex couples
Dear Editor, The year 2015, with the referendum for same-sex marriage, for good or bad, has marked a key turning point in the history of Ireland. As a Christian, I confess that on a number of occasions over the course of the referendum, and since, I have been both deeply shocked and saddened by some…
Restrictions on hospital visits an example of aggressive secularism
Dear Editor, Your recent article about “red tape gone mad” preventing priests from visiting their parishioners in hospitals throughout the country, seems like a further inroad from aggressive secularism (IC 08/10/2015). Hospital mission statements, framed and prominently displayed in out patient’s waiting areas, make much of patients’ rights to courtesy and proper respect from hospital…