Author Catherine Pepinster says new persecutions and old saints means martyrs still matter, writes Ruadhán Jones The concept of martyrdom has a rich heritage in the Christian tradition, and an equally impressive list of martyred saints. As Christ gave his life on the Cross for all humanity, martyrs from Roman times to today have lived his call…
2,000 Queen’s University Belfast students unable to return home for Christmas because of the pandemic are set to receive a care package, thanks to the university’s Catholic chaplaincy and the efforts of local businesses and charities. The operation to distribute the packs launched into action last week, prepared by a team of 20 student volunteers…
The Catholic leaders of the Holy Land are demanding an investigation into an attempted arson attack at a basilica located near the Garden of Gethsemane. The Basilica of the Agony, located on the Mount of Olives in Jerusalem next to the Garden of Gethsemane, is also known as the Church of All Nations. It houses…
Two weeks to go, Ruadhán Jones suggests some treats you can prepare in advance Christmas is a time to celebrate. We have good reason to, for our Saviour is come! While there is a strong ascetic tradition in the Church, there is another which sees the Earth’s bounty as a sign of God’s love. The…
Letter from Jordan Dale Gavlak The worsening coronavirus pandemic and economic conditions in Syria are further deepening poverty and hardship for Christians, who find themselves trapped in a political stalemate, religious freedom advocates say. “The situation is becoming worse, people are calling me every day and asking for help. I speak with people in Aleppo,…
Actors from the film trilogies The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit have backed a campaign to turn the former home of Catholic author J.R.R. Tolkien into an educational centre. Project Northmoor is seeking to raise nearly €5.4 million to purchase the house where Tolkien wrote his most famous novels. As of December 4,…
A Brazilian nun who has advanced to the finals of TV cookery show MasterChef said she received “divine help” and was praying the entire time she was cooking. She said it was the divine help which directed her attention to the fact that the shrimp she was supposed to cook were not deveined. “If I…
Suicide awareness activist Elber Twomey tells Ruadhán Jones how faith helped her to cope with grief We don’t know how we will react to extreme situations until they happen. Most would be happy never to experience violence or death or personal tragedy. On July 6, 2012, Elber Twomey of Meelin, Co. Cork had to face…
People gathered in Trier’s cathedral the evening of December 1 to pray for the victims of a lone attacker who ploughed his SUV into Christmas shoppers, killing five people and seriously injuring about a dozen others. A 9-week-old baby and her father were among those who died; the mother and the family’s 18-month-old were among…
Mindful Living On each Sunday of Advent we light a new candle in the Advent Wreath. The candles represent hope, peace, love and joy reflecting the fruits of the Spirit as described by St Paul in Galatians 5:22. Because meditation helps to awaken us to the spirit within, these fruits, “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness…
Ruadhán Jones