A leading homelessness charity has welcomed Fianna Fáil’s new bill that aims to ensure household loans can’t be sold to unregulated vulture funds, saying they “could be doing and could have done a lot more”. Founder of Focus Ireland, Sr Stan Kennedy, criticised the party’s abstention in December 2016 when the Government voted down the…
An English bishop warned Catholics to be alert to the possible deliberate killings of seriously ill patients in state-funded hospitals. Bishop Philip Egan of Portsmouth issued a pastoral message to clergy and laity after the publication of a report, which concluded that 650 people died in a hospital within his diocese after they were given…
Heroism and Genius: How Catholic Priests Helped to Build – And Can Help Rebuild – Western Civilization William J. Slattery (Ignatius Press, $24.95 / £18.82). In this ambitious book the author records the significant contribution made by priests to the arts, literature, philosophy and the sciences. He ranges across the centuries. Among those he lists are…
Loneliness is rife in modern Ireland, writes Davis Clark It is perhaps the greatest contradiction of our modern age that even as avenues of communication have multiplied, allowing us spend more and more time in contact with others, we seem to feel increasingly isolated and alienated from those around us. A tidal wave of…
The Vatican has released a document that establishes norms and principles for women who dedicate their lives as consecrated virgins, outlining their place in the life of the Church. Presenting the new document at the Vatican press office, Cardinal Joao Braz de Aviz, prefect of the Congregation for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of…
Durrow’s scarecrow hay day heyday For those who’ve only seen scarecrows at a distance or in classic movies like the Wizard of Oz, the Durrow Scarecrow Festival is sure to offer an interesting and educational experience. Taking place in Durrow from July 29 to August 6, the festival will host the All-Ireland Scarecrow Championship, in…
On the Summits of the Highest Love by Enzo Farinella (Edizioni Grafiser, €15.00) Through Mountains and Valleys by Enzo Farinella (Edizioni Grafiser, €15.00) Joe Carroll The author is a former cultural attaché at the Italian embassy in Dublin, who has settled in Ireland as a journalist and RAI correspondent, and has made it his mission in life to…
Medical Matters Do you keep an eye on your blood pressure? High blood pressure (hypertension) is one the biggest contributors to heart and stroke disease and premature death. While having high cholesterol is often talked about, its negative effect is much less significant than hypertension. Last year saw new guidelines being introduced by several…
Ursula Hayden Following the monthly family Mass in St Clare’s Church, Graiguecullen, Co. Carlow the parish of Graiguecullen/Killeshin was treated to a spectacular family fun day and BBQ in the grounds of the church and the parish swimming pool. The crowds were lead to the festivities from the church doors by Killeshin Pipe Band. It’s…
Children’s Corner Davis Clark The summer is sure to send many of us to the beach to soak up the sun and cool off. While you’re there, you may stumble across some shells. Collecting shells is a fun and time-honoured activity, and a great way for kids to explore their environment. If they hold…
Chai Brady
Dr Kevin McCarroll