Pope reflects on what ails the priesthood Opening an international conference on priesthood, Pope Francis insisted that those who are not close to God in prayer, close to their bishop and other priests and immersed in the lives of their people are simply “‘clerical functionaries’ or ‘professionals of the sacred’”. “A priest needs to have…
The National Concert Hall’s International Concert Series 2022 began on February 13 with an impressive recital by South Africa-born soprano Golda Schultz and Texan pianist Jonathan Ware. Their programme celebrated women composers – Clara Schumann with her lesser known German contemporary, Emilie Mayer; the century-later English composer Rebecca Clarke, who spent the latter part of…
Dear Editor, In a thoroughly referenced article in Homiletic and Pastoral Review (July 2, 2020), Fr Regis Scanlon OFM Cap. claimed that Vatican II did not reverse Pius IX’s teachings on religious liberty, that the change in the Church’s teaching on religious liberty between Plus IX and Vatican II constitutes a “development of doctrine” and not…
It’s a bit early to be brewin’ up a storm about St Patrick’s Day (St Eunice, maybe), but there seems to be some level of friction about it every year. A conflict over St Patrick’s Day stamps blew up on Liveline (RTE Radio 1 Thursday), grist to the mill for that Confessio-type show. The first…
Editor’s Comment “And now our feet are standing within your gates, O Jerusalem,” proclaims the psalmist. And it is from Jerusalem that I write this reflection as part of The Irish Catholic Christian Solidarity Pilgrimage to the Holy Land. I am leading the first post-coronavirus group of Irish pilgrims walking in the footsteps of Jesus.…
In November 2021, Pope Francis launched the Laudato Si’ Action Platform, a seven-year programme for the church to live out the call to care more deeply for God’s creation. The platform is based on achieving seven Laudato Si’ Goals (LSGs) across seven church ‘sectors’ over seven years – a jubilee for the earth. Last month…
The Divine Mercy National Conference will take place this weekend, the 25th, 26th and 27th February, 2022. It will be broadcast online through www.divinemercyconference.com, free of charge and also on churchservices.tv. It will also be available (audio only) on www.RadioMaria.ie, via your TV on Saorview 210 or dial up listening service 01 4373277. The theme…
The Archbishop of Dublin Dermot Farrell has pleaded with people who don’t need new Government subsidies aimed at tackling the spiralling cost of living to gift it to their parish St Vincent de Paul group. It comes amidst fears that some families and older people are being faced with the stark choice to eat or…
There are currently no plans in place to reinstate the Sunday obligation across the island of Ireland with a bishop citing a “still high infection rate” as the reason. The Irish Catholic understands that, as of the time of writing, the move is considered to be premature in light of the present Covid-19 situation. Corresponding…
The parish priest of the Kilcoo GAA team who won the All-Ireland senior club final after a tense finale said the community is “delighted” for them. Fr Denis McKinlay, who is based in the nearby Castlewellan in Co. Down told The Irish Catholic that the small parish is “totally committed to the football”. “They live…
Brendan O’Regan
Michael Kelly
Chai Brady