My mother-in-law Agnes used to hate the dark nights drawing in, the changing of the clocks, the prospect of winter. I can understand that many people may feel like that and that this year may feel even more challenging. Perhaps that is why the timing of Pope Francis’ new encyclical seems to me to be…
RTÉ are set to broadcast on radio and TV the Irish Kidney Association’s first virtual and 35th Annual Service of Remembrance and Thanksgiving for organ donors on Sunday, November 15. The interdenominational service, which will be pre-recorded at Newman University Church, will be celebrated by Fr Gary Chamberland of the church, and will feature a…
Sweet Treats This is a cosy, decadent dessert perfect for those cold evenings as the darker weather sets in. It isn’t as difficult as you might think to make this lightly spiced version of the sweet gooey classic. It is worth looking for Medjool dates, they have a rich caramelisedflavour compared to that of regular…
Pope to Moneyval: merchants must be prevented from ‘speculating’ in the temple It is a task which is “particularly dear to my heart”, carried out “to promote a ‘clean finance’, in which the ‘merchants’ are prevented from speculating in that sacred ‘temple’ which is humanity”. Pope Francis made that remark on Thursday in an address to…
On October 4, the feast of St Francis of Assisi, Pope Francis released a new encyclical entitled, Fratelli Tutti – On Fraternity and Social Friendship. It can appear a rather depressing read because of its searing realism, except it plays the long game of Christian hope. Fratelli Tutti lays out reasons why there’s so much…
An appreciation by Felix M. Larkin Sr Margaret MacCurtain, who died on October 5, aged 91, was an outstanding academic historian, but was better known to the public at large as a feminist and social activist. She taught for 30 years in University College Dublin, where she was revered by generations of students. A member…
In the Discworld novel Eric by Terry Pratchett, as the Wizard Rincewind and teenaged demonologist Eric Thursley escape Pandemonium, they notice that the individual cobbles on the ‘Road to Hell’ have good intentions written on them. These included “for the good of the kids”, “I meant it for the best” and “we are equal opportunities…
Despite the Covid-19 Level 3 restrictions, the RTÉ NSO continues its season at the National Concert Hall. Playing without audience and behind closed doors, the concerts are being broadcast on RTÉ Lyric fm and streamed live on www.rte.ie/culture on Friday nights at 7pm. The current series brings the welcome return of principal conductor Jaime Martín…
Dear Editor, I would like to congratulate you on the publication of the article [IC 25/06/2020] by Dr Noel Keating. Dr Keating begins his study by making a brief reference to Thomas Merton or Fr Louis, which was the name given to him in ordination as a Trappist monk in Gethsemani, Kentucky, US. Merton was…
The Northern Ireland Mixed Marriage Association welcome Irish funding The chairman of NIMMA has welcomed “well-timed funding” from the Irish Government, one of the Associations most consistent funders. The Irish Government’s Department of Foreign Affairs has pledged a total of €5000 to help cover some of NIMMA’s running costs. Chairman Ken Dunn said, “We are…
Bairbre Cahill
Fr Ronald Rolheiser
Michael Kelly