Children’s Corner Despite billions of dollars and euro being spent on space travel, building your own rocket doesn’t have to cost a cent. With some household material and a bit of DIY you can spend some quality time with your own team of family scientists building one. All you will need is: – A…
Month: March 2019
Vatican Roundup
Argentine bishops urge Pope to visit homeland In a letter commemorating the sixth anniversary of Pope Francis’ election, the bishops of Argentina said they will ask the Pope to visit his homeland. “In our next meeting with him, we will propose once again that he does not deprive himself of the joy of visiting us,” the Argentine bishops said in statement…
‘Life-changing’ World Youth Day reinspires strong Faith
Personal Profile Chai Brady speaks to Eimear Felle from Mary’s Meals Never underestimate the power of World Youth Day (WYD) as it can be a “life-changing” and eye-opening experience, according to one Faith-filled Irish woman. Now the Communications Co-ordinator for charity Mary’s Meals, Eimear Felle (34) to this day thanks the event for giving…
Rebooting priestly formation
Cardinal Jean-Marie Lustiger was the Archbishop of Paris until he retired in 2005. Lustiger – a convert from Judaism – was a towering figure in the global Church and considered a key ally in the reforms of Pope St John Paul II. Among the projects Cardinal Lustiger himself embraced with gusto was the reform of…
How will the deaf learn to listen?
Dear Editor, Many dioceses are engaging in ‘listening’ processes which on the face of it is commendable. However, one must ask what qualities are required to “listen”? Surely no institution can embark on a successful ‘listening’ programme without (i) effectively addressing the reason for embarking on such a listening programme which does of course reflect…
Ashes still have an appeal to all of us
The Notebook I suspect very few people would choose Ash Wednesday as one of their favourite days of the year. I have to admit that in recent times the first day of Lent has become a day I do look forward to. A number of years ago, together with my colleague from the neighbouring…
Anguished final years of a post-impressionist artist
At Eternity’s Gate (12A) Hollywood has never really understood artists. Kirk Douglas won an Oscar nomination for essaying the role of Vincent van Gogh in Vincente Minnelli’s Lust for Life in 1956 but his performance was way over the top. Jacques Dutronc presented him in a much more nuanced manner in Maurice Pialat’s Van Gogh in 1991.…
Patrick’s clear sense of mission not on parade
Anybody watching St Patrick’s Day festivities with a thoughtful eye last weekend must have wondered what exactly was being celebrated. Was it Irishness? Maybe so, but that’s missing the point of the day in spectacular fashion: St Patrick’s Day is, after all, a celebration of the gift that Patrick and other missionaries brought to Ireland,…
Family News and Events
Do not be afraid, learn first aid Keeping the family safe is a number one priority for parents and guardians, and with so many dangers out there, learning first aid could be a skill used on multiple occasions. Family First Aid is a first aid awareness course designed specifically for carers, parents, grandparents or guardians…
Christchurch massacre stops the clock
One of the biggest media stories of the week was the massacre at the mosques in New Zealand, and among the hours of coverage I heard a few items that hit the right tone. I was impressed by the host’s interview with New Zealand’s ambassador on Saturday with Cormac Ó hEadhra (RTÉ Radio 1) last…

Chai Brady


Michael Kelly


Aubrey Malone
Greg Daly

Brendan O’Regan