The grounds of Clonard Monastery in Belfast are about to undergo an “aesthetically pleasing” transformation, as the decades-old barbed wire on top of the exterior walls are to be replaced with a pallet-style fence. The barbed wire, which was added to the walls during the Troubles in order to protect the Redemptorist community who live…
Dear Editor, The recent media and political reports about the young pregnant mother detained under the Mental Health Act 2001 show a large lack of knowledge of what suicidal ideation is and how mental health law works around it. If any person arrives to A&E in an actively suicidal state they are assessed quickly and…
Last weekend saw four dioceses welcoming newly ordained priests, including the new holder of the title of Ireland’s youngest priest. Fr David Vard, 25, was ordained by Bishop Denis Nulty for the Diocese of Kildare & Leighlin in his home parish of Newbridge on Sunday. Fr David began his priestly studies immediately after his Leaving…
The summer used to be regarded as the silly season for current affairs, but I don’t think that holds true anymore. Sunday Morning Live, back on BBC 1 on Sunday mornings, has no shortage of topical religious and ethical issues to cover. Last weekend’s episode started with an illuminating discussion prompted by the recent attack…
Concerns have been expressed that a deal which will see the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) back the Tory minority government in Britain will not benefit both sides of the community in the North. The deal, announced on Monday, two weeks after the UK election resulted in a hung parliament, will see the 10 DUP MPs…
The Order of Malta has been commended by Archbishop Diarmuid Martin for its commitment to alleviating social and spiritual suffering throughout the world. “The care of the sick and the troubled and the marginalised is an essential dimension of the Christian life and of the life of the Church. The Order of Malta and its members…
Nobody reading this review is likely to have heard of Hugh Mahon. So why does he merit a biography – in fact a projected two-volume biography? The book to hand is the first instalment, with the second to follow in the not-too-distant future. Mahon was born near Tullamore in 1857, and lived in Canada and…
Bishop Éamonn Walsh of the Irish Bishops’ Drugs Initiative (IBDI) has encouraged parishes to get involved with its latest youth-centred initiative. “With the support of the IBDI many parishes are becoming self-sufficient in the challenge to prevent drug use,” Bishop Walsh said. “The latest IBDI programme ‘Leave your mark’ is a youth-centred initiative which trains…
This generation has lost the “urgency to spread the Gospel”, which was the drive for thousands of Irish missionaries, according to the Bishop of Derry. Speaking at a Mass to celebrate the golden jubilee of St Aengus’ Church in Burt, Co. Donegal, Bishop Donal McKeown said the “community of disciples that gathers in our churches…
Events to help families confront and deal with challenging family issues will be launched by the Family Centre at Knock Shrine next month. The programme from July 10–15 will cover keeping the faith in difficult times, coping with grief, overcoming addiction and more in daily, evening and morning workshops with guest speakers. A Mass and…
Mags Gargan
Brendan O’Regan