A chaplain’s job is like a parent’s, writes Colm Fitzpatrick As Catholic chaplain in Trinity College for the ninth year, Peter Sexton SJ is continuing to try and spread Gospel values and provide support for thousands of students year in, year out. Born in 1944 in Limerick, Fr Peter is the youngest of three…
Pope Francis in South America Barbara J. Fraser Pope Francis tackled politically charged issues during his weeklong visit to Chile and Peru, decrying human trafficking, environmental destruction, corruption and organised crime in speeches before audiences that included political leaders. At the same time, he called for unity, dialogue and coexistence in each of the…
“In a remarkable move,” tweeted Chicago-based campus minister @richraho, “+Anthony Taylor boycotts local March for Life because keynote speaker, the State’s AG, is pro-death penalty.” A link to an article from arkansas-catholic.org detailed how Little Rock’s Bishop encouraged Catholics to join him in one of two pro-life Masses he would celebrate on Sunday January 21,…
Children’s Corner Performance arts are an excellent way to gain confidence in yourself and can also be very enriching and creative. One ancient art form that dates back to the time of the Pharaohs is juggling, which has thrived throughout the world in places like China and even Siberia. Although there are various forms…
The World Meeting of Families is inviting couples to share special tokens of love with a difference for St Valentine’s Day this year. Following Pope Francis’ calls to celebrate St Valentine’s Day in a more meaningful way, WMOF2018 is inviting couples to think beyond the traditional box of chocolates or bunch of flowers to gifts…
The Notebook Martin Delaney Down syndrome My face may be different But my feelings the same I laugh and I cry And I take pride in my gains I was sent here among you To teach you to love As God in heavens Looks down from above To him I’m no different His love knows…
Imagining Alternative Irelands in 1912: Cultural Discourse in the Periodical Press Brian Ward (Four Courts Press, €50) Felix M. Larkin Historians should always be conscious of the importance of contingency in shaping events. As the distinguished American historian David McCullough, biographer of John Adams and Harry Truman, says: “Nothing ever had to happen the way it happened.…
I spent more hours than was healthy watching Oireachtas TV coverage of the Dáil debates on the Report of the Committee on the Eighth Amendment. It was not encouraging. First off the overwhelming majority of contributors were strongly pro-choice and seemed completely oblivious to the existence of a baby in a pregnancy situation. Clare Daly TD…
Though its critics may never acknowledge it (or even believe it), the Catholic Church is the world’s leading advocate for the marginalised and the vulnerable – an enemy of unjust discrimination, and a pioneer in healthcare and education. Whether it is standing up for the poor and homeless or the unborn and those nearing the…
Pat O’Kelly Among a number of anniversaries, this year commemorates two distinct and unrelated centenaries – Estonian Independence and the birth of the US composer/conductor Leonard Bernstein. Both events are being highlighted at the National Concert Hall next week through the return of the Estonian Philharmonic Chamber Choir (EPCC) on January 31 and the…
Colm Fitzpatrick
Greg Daly
Brendan O’Regan
Michael Kelly