One might not think Beethoven could fall victim to Covid-19 but in a way he has. With the closure of our concert venues live performances of his music have either been postponed or abandoned. Unfortunate really as this year celebrates the 250th anniversary of his birth. At the time of writing, the National String Quartet…
After election in Belarus, Catholic leaders urge restraint, dialogue Catholic leaders have urged dialogue and restraint in Belarus amid violent street clashes following a contested presidential election on August 9. “The two sides clearly have to talk if this dangerous situation isn’t to deteriorate,” said Fr Yuri Sanko, spokesman for the Belarusian bishops’ conference. “Although…
Dear Editor, I am sure I am not the only one who was very pleased and deeply moved to see the celebration of Eid al-Adha in Croke Park. Because of Covid-19 only about 150 people could take part. I was impressed by the reverence of the Muslims present including little children. It was wonderful to…
Notebook It can be very hard to involve young married people in the life of the parish. It’s understandable – they haven’t a minute to themselves, between driving their children to GAA training, matches, piano lessons, pony-riding, Comhaltas…you get the picture. Young parents, anxious to give their children every opportunity, seem to be forever on the…
John Ferrall: Master of Sligo Workhouse, 1852-66 by Fergus O’Ferrall (Four Courts Press, €9.95/£6.95) This is a valuable account of the life and times of the master of a workhouse. It is a work of pietas. The author indicates that John Ferrall was the brother of his great-grandfather. To care for the sick and indigent, known…
The Sunday Gospel Fr Silvester O’Flynn OFM Cap. Today’s Gospel (Matthew 16:13-20) is a story of new names. In the Bible a new name meant a new mission. First of all, Jesus asked the disciples: “Who do people say I am?” Names of former heroes were recalled. “But who do you say I am?” Simon…
With such grim material in the news and current affairs programmes these days, it’s welcome when they are followed by something lighter. I enjoyed Des’s Island Discs (RTÉ Radio One) last Tuesday after Drivetime when Des Cahill’s guest was Archbishop Eamon Martin. I knew the Archbishop was a fine singer, but learned on the show…
Exclusive Everyday life is becoming increasingly difficult for Christians in Lebanon An Irishwoman who works in Beirut has warned that the people of Lebanon have lost hope amidst anti-government protests in the wake of a deadly explosion that killed hundreds of people and has been widely blamed on political corruption. Anna Sophia Gallagher [pictured], originally…
Outspoken priest and campaigner for the vulnerable Fr Peter McVerry SJ has urged the Government to declare the plight of the homeless as a national emergency insisting that Covid-19 “has aggravated the underlying issues.” This comes after a report revealed that 31 homeless people have died in Dublin this year, in contrast to 35 in…
Senators and TDs have queried whether the Government plans to replace swearing religious oaths with a ‘truth statement’, describing such plans as a “false concept of pluralism”. A new bill currently being discussed proposes the use of a ‘truth statement’ in place of a religious oath or similar secular profession. Senator Rónán Mullen asked the…
Brendan O’Regan
Chai Brady
Ruadhán Jones