Courtney McGrailMedical research should aim at protecting life – Pope Francis Moral and ethical concerns must guide medical research so it is always directed to the protection of human life and dignity, Pope Francis has said. Speaking at a Vatican-hosted conference on adult stem cell research, the Pope said in this way research can “serve higher values, such as solidarity, generosity, magnanimity, sharing of knowledge,…
Month: May 2016
Pope Francis is making the Church more democratic
The Pope understands that a worthy shepherd must have the pastoral instincts and authenticity that link him with the laity, writes Michael W. Higgins
Facing the blade
Paul KeenanThe Church speaks against extremism in Bangladesh, writes Paul Keenan
Early intervention needed to keep children from gangs
Dear Editor, What an interesting suggestion from former gangster John Pridmore to use the Confirmation programme to show children “how they can use their gifts to help others rather than hurt people” (IC 21/04/2016). I have heard Mr Pridmore’s incredible story at a parish mission where he described his life of drugs, organised crime, power…
Changes to Junior Cert syllabus are an attack not a reform
Dear Editor, It is annoying to see the current attack by politicians on the Junior Cert syllabus constantly being referred to as a “reform”. It is nothing of the sort. I hope the new Dáil will commit to suspend the brainless forcing through of coursework into the Junior Cert curriculum, whether marked by the classroom…
Economic systems vs human ethics
Dear Editor, In his address to the Chicago Council on Global Affairs, 2014, President Michael D. Higgins, talking on the shortcomings of the economic theories of our times, had this to say: “The notion that capitalist markets are systems set apart from human ethics, is even shared by many who reject capitalism. “The writings of…
Learning from other churches
Dear Editor, Regarding chaplaincy support services (IC 14/04/2016 ‘Mass attendance a crude measure of chaplaincy support services’), Texas A&M State University (Aggieland) is of interest. In 2011 Aggieland had 52,775 students. St Mary’s Catholic Centre housed the Catholic campus ministry. Daily Mass attendance averaged 175; Sunday Masses drew between 4,000 and 5,000 worshippers. There were…
Letters page warrants expansion
Dear Editor, In reference to Isabella Corr’s letter of 21/04/2016, I second her proposal that the Letters Page warrants expansion, albeit at the expense of advertisements. Your short format is appropriate and your items present pleasant and interesting topics in contrast to the mainstream media ‘rubbish’. Yours etc., Elizabeth McCluskey, Enniskillen, Co. Fermanagh.
Congratulations to Kilkenny Presentation choir
Dear Editor, Please let me add my congratulations to Presentation Secondary School in Kilkenny on their incredible performance on Britain’s Got Talent. I missed the original broadcast but after reading your news story (IC 28/04/2016) I looked up the clip on YouTube and was blown away, just as much as the judges and the audience,…
In reference to the name of the inhabitants of Lesbos
Dear Editor, Interesting that Mary Kenny (IC 21/04/2016) empathised with that Kentish priest’s ‘lesbian’ dilemma. I think it shouldn’t have embarrassed him to have to say, “The Lesbians…” However, lesbians (small ‘l’) are not confined to Lesbos (now Lesvos), as we all know. Lesvos, apart from being the birthplace of the poet Sappho in the…