A Catholic tendency to go against the crowd in all things sometimes works against the Church, writes Jason Osborne While the rest of the world rallies around Ukraine following Russia’s violent invasion nearly three weeks ago, a not-insignificant minority of Catholics have taken it upon themselves to champion Russia’s cause. Admittedly, I write on the…
Staff reporter The Irish Bishops’ Drugs Initiative (IBDI) has launched a new podcast to raise awareness about the effects gambling, drugs and alcohol addiction can have on young people’s lives. The first episode of the ‘Leave Your Mark’ podcast saw a discussion between Tyrone GAA midfielder and 2021 All-Ireland winner, Conn Kilpatrick, and 2002 All-Ireland…
The Court of Appeal will hear a case challenging a UK law that allows abortion up to birth for disability after the High Court rejected the case last year. The High Court in London ruled in September 2021 that the law allowing abortion up to birth for disability was not discriminatory. The challenge was brought by Heidi…
Mindful Living Laurence Freeman who leads the World Community for Christian Meditation spoke recently about the sickening invasion of Ukraine. He said: “It’s a really dark time for the world and we have to approach it with as much faith and hope and love as possible. The way forward is going to be difficult and…
The Sunday Gospel Lent is a season of preparation for Easter when we will renew our baptismal promises to reject the wiles of Satan and to commit ourselves afresh to being a follower of Jesus Christ. Today’s Gospel (Luke 13: 1-9) is an encouragement to improve our lives with the help of God’s grace. Remember…
Irish lives in America Edited by Liz Evers and Niav Gallagher (Royal Irish Academy, €19.95/£18/$25) On this day every year Irish thoughts turn without fail to our relatives and friends in the United States. In reciprocation, President Joe Biden has this year issued a special proclamation from the White House declaring March 2022 as Irish-American…
NHS consultant Dr Dermot Kearney has been cleared of all sanctions placed after he saved 32 babies using the ‘abortion pill reversal’ treatment, writes Jason Osborne An Irish Cardiologist based in England, Dr Dermot Kearney, is enjoying “great relief” following his sudden exoneration after a ban placed on him by the General Medical Council (GMC)…
Bishop-elect Christian Carlassare, who was shot in a grisly attack at his residence shortly after his appointment as the new bishop of Rumbek, has recovered and is preparing to return to his diocese with forgiveness and a desire to work for peace in his troubled adoptive nation. A Comboni missionary, Fr Carlassare, 44, will be…
This was supposed to be a happy family gathering. My granny turned 98 at the end of February. Like most years we travelled to Germany to visit her and celebrate another milestone in her life. I love what Pope Francis says about grandparents: “…because they have the strength and are of the age to carry…
A papal envoy to Ukraine has denounced the bombing of a paediatric hospital in the city of Mariupol. Vatican Cardinal Michael Czerny, who was at the border between Hungary and Ukraine when he received the news, said: “Bombing and hospital: these two words in the same sentence already make you shudder.” Cardinal Czerny referred to…