Martyrs are a source of inspiration for Christians who are being called to “stand up for their Faith” in times of adversity, Archbishop Eamon Martin has said. Speaking about the unveiling of the St Oliver Plunkett statue in honour of martyrs in St Patrick’s Cathedral, Armagh, Dr Martin told The Irish Catholic that the saint…
A parent’s perspective I’ve taken a great interest in Blessed John Henry Newman recently and was delighted with the announcement that he is to be canonised in Rome on October 13 this year. By all accounts, he was an amazing man: a great scholar, a friend to many, a great priest and pastor, a musician…
Quentin Broughall reflects on Thomas Merton’s relationship with technology and the internet Always a thoughtful and perceptive observer, the American monk and mystic Thomas Merton (1915-1968) was keenly aware that humans’ relationship with technology represented something that could draw them closer to God or push them farther away: “When it comes to those taking…
GREEN FINGERS Our warm, wet July has meant lawns are growing fast. Keep on top of mowing them. If you return from holidays to find yours looking like a hay field, don’t cut it down in one go. Raise the height of your mower up full and cut it. Then each subsequent cut lower it…
Madison Duddy explores how technology has changed the way we date It’s no secret that social media has changed the way people interact. In recent years dating apps have become more popular, changing the fabric of the dating world. While most singles spend their time swiping through photos and biographies of potential matches in their…
Human beings are stewards not predators – Pope Francis Human beings are called to praise God for his gift of creation, not be predators out to plunder the earth and all it contains, Pope Francis has said. In a message sent last week to participants of an Italian conference on the consequences of deforestation in…
One of my earliest memories is riding a horse through an Arcadian meadow with my father. I recall a deep feeling of happiness and safety in his presence, with his arms either side of me, holding the reins and keeping me safe. The scene was indescribably perfect, infused with a warm, golden light. It was…
Dear Editor, Mary Kenny is exactly right when she says the one-time Anglican clergy of the Ordinariate point to how married clergy could become feasible in the Church (IC 11/7/2019). Years ago Pope Benedict said something very similar. Basically, when married Anglican clergy join the Church they become married Catholic laymen, albeit ones with pastoral…
I like a film with positive messages, a redemption theme (not necessarily religious) and maybe even a feel-good ending. But often such films can be predictable, preachy, overly sentimental, and even corny. I couldn’t accuse Rudderless (TG4) of any of those faults. The unpredictable storyline featured a school shooting, some great songs and a family breakup,…
Treasure at the Bottom of my Garden by Judy Roblin (Matador, £8.99) Judy Roblin is a retired social worker now living in Wales. Her writings in The Tablet will be familiar to some. She has made for herself a poustinia in a shed-like hut at the end of her garden. To this little ‘desert’ she retired…
Greg Daly
Maria Byrne
Paul Gargan
Brendan O’Regan