“The rich are different,” Scott Fitzgerald famously said, and it is an observation which contains some truth. And yet when Bill and Melinda Gates announced they were proceeding towards a divorce after 27 years of marriage, others could identify with what is called the ‘silver split’ – when older couples break up having gone past…
The Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith has urged the US bishops to proceed with caution in their discussions about formulating a national policy “to address the situation of Catholics in public office who support legislation allowing abortion, euthanasia or other moral evils”. Cardinal Luis Ladaria, congregation prefect, reiterated what he said he had…
The View For a long time now Ireland has been battling the Covid-19 pandemic and her people – north and south – have been trying to work out the implications of the UK’s Brexit vote and the NI Protocol. It was never going to be easy. Since the UK left the European Union (EU) there have…
People should remember the contribution religious orders have made to Irish education and other services, according to ex-Taoiseach Bertie Ahern. Speaking on The Saint Patrick’s Podcast to Martina Purdy and Elaine Kelly, Mr Ahern spoke of the extensive religious presence in his native Drumcondra as he grew up. “In the area where I lived in…
Church-charity Trócaire has welcomed Pope Francis’ call for universal access to Covid-19 vaccines and a suspension of intellectual property rights on the vaccines. The Pope made the call in a video message to the ‘Vax Live’ concert, an event promoting a more equal global distribution of Covid-19 vaccinations. He said a “variant of this virus…
Italian Cardinal Camillo Ruini has said that he is praying there will be no schism in Germany, as priests and bishops in the country announce their disagreement with a document from the Vatican saying the Church cannot bless same-sex unions. In a May 4 interview with the newspaper Il Foglio, Cardinal Ruini said: “I hope…
Priests and pastoral workers in Germany defied Pope Francis this week by conducting blessing ceremonies attended by same-sex couples. Organisers held a day of protest on Monday in response to the Vatican’s recent declaration that the Church does not have the power to bless same-sex unions. The ceremonies, known as Segnungsgottesdienste für Liebende, or ‘blessing services…
Martina Purdy and Elaine Kelly turn from walking to talking with their new podcast, writes Jason Osborne While interest in St Patrick has never died out on this island, it’s certainly enjoying something of a rebirth under the guidance of Martina Purdy and Elaine Kelly. First with their ‘Saint Patrick’s Way’ pilgrimages, now with their…
Restrictions are lifting and spring is upon us, so there’s no better time to take to the sea for a swim writes Jason Osborne Availing of the improved weather in recent weeks, I made my way to the nearby coastline for a plunge into the icy waters. Rarely does an activity result in such a…
Maynooth: A College across Four Centuries edited by Salvador Ryan and John Paul Sheridan (Messenger Publications, €50.00/£40.00) This compilation of Maynoothiana has been prepared to celebrate the 225th anniversary of its foundation with a backward look or two at earlier events. It is the kind of book which the many thousands of those associated with Ireland’s…
Mary Kenny
Nuala O’Loan
Chai Brady
Peter Costello