Pope Francis’ letter to the world’s Catholics on clerical sexual abuse has been praised for its strong language but criticised for lacking promises of action against clergy who have committed or concealed abuse. The 2,000-word letter, coming against the background of last week’s Pennsylvania Grand Jury report that revealed over 1,000 children were abused by…
Pope in Ireland Pope Francis has not fully realised his ambitious reform agenda, writes Michael Kelly According to a leaked diary – which no-one has disputed – Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio came runner-up in the conclave that elected Benedict XVI in 2015. Despite that, few people considered him a candidate for the papacy in 2013,…
An Astonishing Secret: The Love Story of Creation and the Wonder of You by Daniel O’Leary (Columba Press, €14.99) Anthony Redmond Fr Daniel O’Leary is a well-known Irish priest, author and speaker living in England. I have read a number of his books. He is a superb writer, deeply moving, inspirational and lyrical. In his latest…
Pope in Ireland Chai Brady explores why Francis is known as the ‘Pope of the poor’ When darkness falls on the city of Rome and the its homeless search for shelter and food, there’s one disguised shepherd on the streets practicing what he preaches and assisting the impoverished. Not many people would expect a…
We all have a “civic responsibility and mission” to support and encourage the family, especially during challenging situations, Down and Connor’s bishop has said. Visiting the ‘Families Matter’ programme at Maghaberry Prison which is run by the prison and Barnardo’s NI to support fathers who are in custody on August 19, Bishop Noel Treanor said:…
Pope Francis in Ireland Pope Francis: a champion for the cause of migrants, writes Chai Brady Continuously being a strong advocate for the rights of migrants and refugees, it seems wholly appropriate that Pope Francis’ first pastoral visit outside Rome was Lampedusa – where migrants have arrived in huge numbers over the years. In…
A Walking Tour of Dublin Churches by Liam C. Martin (Veritas, €7.99) Artist Liam C. Martin was a very popular delineator of Dublin and other places, who died in1998. It is nice to see his little book back in print, for such a thing is much needed. Also available is a new Sightseeing Map of Dublin’s…
There’s a rich literature being written today by some highly intelligent, sensitive men and women who might best be described as agnostic stoics. Unlike some of their atheistic counterparts whose one-sided attacks on religion suggest that they “doth protest too much”, this group doesn’t protest at all. They don’t attack faith in God; indeed they…
The Book of Kells: Official Guide by Bernard Meehan (Thames & Hudson, £12.95) Quite aside from all the changes that have overtaken Christianity in Ireland in recent decades, everyone still has to admit that the art of Early Christian Ireland – exemplified by the Ardagh Chalice, the Cross of Cong, the Derrynaflan hoard, and above all…
Pope in Ireland Pope Francis has often spoken about the importance of love and marriage before and during his papacy, which makes it very apt he will meet couples from every diocese in Ireland in the pro-cathedral during his visit. On August 25 Francis will join with married and engaged couples in St Mary’s…
Greg Daly
Michael Kelly
Chai Brady
Peter Costello
Fr Ronald Rolheiser