Fr Bernard Healy Notebook Christ tells us, “nothing is hidden but it will be made clear, nothing secret but it will be made known and brought to light” (Luke 8:17). That’s not a bad meditation for Advent when we reflect both on the Word of God making himself visible to us in the stable in…
Month: December 2019
Faith in the Family
It echoes through the first Reading, the Acclamation and the Gospel for the Fourth Sunday of Advent – Emmanuel, God with us. In the Gospel for the Vigil Mass on Christmas Eve we are reminded that Jesus is embedded in history. We are given, as my father used to say, the “seed, breed and generation”…
Fr Ray Kelly creates a song and a dance…
Meath-based priest Fr Ray Kelly has launched his autobiographical book in his parish of Oldcastle this week. Father Ray Kelly Hallelujah – Memoirs of a Singing Priest chronicles his life, humble upbringing and subsequent rise to prominence as well as the importance he places on his priestly vocation. The launch took place in St Brigid’s…
News in Brief
Former St Pat’s head to lead DCU Prof. Dáire Keogh has been confirmed as the new President of Dublin City University. Prof. Keogh – a noted historian – was President of St Patrick’s College Drumcondra from 2012 until 2016 when the college was incorporated into DCU. He has published extensively on the history of popular politics, religion…
Murphy’s law works well for so very few
Dear Editor, As a stranger visiting Cork earlier last week, I was dazzled by the spectacular glow of sparkling Christmas lights, both on the skyline and in the city centre itself. On a bitterly cold crisp Tuesday night, members of a camera club were out in force, all muffled up behind tripods, learning the tricky skills of…
Telling an old story in a new way
Personal Profile Young people will open up to God if we bring the message to them, Colm Fitzpatrick learns With an increasing number of young people no longer formally and institutionally identifying with the Catholic faith, being in the business of evangelisation can be a tough job. What’s needed are novel and captivating approaches that…
In Brief
US priest faces charges of having images of child abuse A Catholic priest is facing charges of possessing images of child abuse following his arrest at a suburban Cleveland parish. Fr Robert McWilliams, 39, was being held on $100,000 bond in Cuyahoga County Jail, a day after he was taken into custody at St Joseph…
Family News and Events
A Lullymore Christmas With the kids off school for the Christmas holidays, why not treat them to a magical trip to Lullymore Heritage and Discovery Park to celebrate the festivities? The Kildare event which runs until December 23 includes a memorable visit from Santa and a special gift from the busy elves in their workshop.…
2020 Program Announced for An Tobar Retreat Centre
The An Tobar Retreat Centre in Co Meath has announced its upcoming programme for 2020 and along with a number of guided retreats, there are also opportunities to attend personal retreats, workshops and ongoing events. Booking is essential for all programmes, so phone today to secure your place. ****** Ashram Experience Led by: David HalpinFeb…
This Christmas pay a visit to one of Dublin’s oldest treasures!
One of Dublin’s finest traditions, The Moving Crib in Parnell Square is celebrating 63 years. This lovely venue has gone from strength to strength, keeping pace with the changing times while still bearing witness to the true message of Christmas. It’s that time again when our thoughts turn to the very special season of light,…


Bairbre Cahill
Chai Brady


Colm Fitzpatrick



