The findings of the largest consultation process ever undertaken in the Church in Ireland – part of the synodal pathway – were sent to Rome this week. Here The Irish Catholic presents a summary of the 15 major themes of the report. Abuse as part of the story of the Church The scale of…
Personal Profile Music and the Faith have been a part of Marcella Walsh’s life from a very young age. It began with singing grace around the dinner table as a child, and continues today as director of music at Queen’s University Belfast’s Catholic chaplaincy and as a professional opera singer. Marcella’s family were always involved…
At the end of the day, all of us, believers and non-believers, pious and impious, share one common humanity and all end up on the same road. This has many implications. It’s no secret that today religious practice is plummeting radically everywhere in the secular world. Those who are opting out don’t all look the…
Irish people desire most, it seems, to fly over Britain to reach Lourdes, Fatima, and Medjugorje. While well understanding their motives, I feel that by this choice they miss many interesting experiences, and narrowly restrict their contacts with places of faith over the past two millenniums, engaging places which in many ways have perhaps done…
The European Court of Human Rights has dismissed the case of an Iranian convert to Christianity, who is appealing his deportation from Germany back to Iran, on the grounds of religious freedom. Campaigners fear that the court’s decision means that the 44 year-old, will likely face prison or death, on account of his religious conversion.…
Youth 2000 held their annual summer festival in person again for the first time in three years. Hundreds of young people attended the celebration of faith in Clongowes Wood College, Co. Kildare, which centred on Jesus in the Eucharist. “It was such a blessing to see so many young people and so much faith,” said…
How does one wade into the transgender debate? Or even dip toes in the water without getting them bitten off? A few preliminary questions I struggle with – how is it that when certain activists disagree with you they immediately accuse you of having a phobia? No, it’s just a contrary opinion! How come when…
“Jesus forgave those who crucified him.” This is the mantra underlying Francois Ozon’s achingly beautiful Frantz (Alibris). Shot partly in monochrome and partly in colour, it has an air of elegant leisureliness. It tells the story of a Parisian soldier from World War I (Pierre Niney) who’s consumed with guilt after shooting a German in…
Dear Editor, While it is encouraging to read the front-page article [The Irish Catholic – August 4, 2022] and applause is certainly well deserved, it was truly heartening to see an effort to voice support for our bishops and priests who really are “bombarded with the notion that everything needs to change”. But, can it be…
Desire for eternal youth is ‘delusional,’ Pope says The passing of time in one’s life is meant to be lived as a God-given grace and not a meaningless pursuit to preserve one’s youthfulness, Pope Francis said. Men and women are “apprentices of life” who amid trials and tribulations “learn to appreciate God’s gift, honouring the…
Ruadhán Jones
Fr Ronald Rolheiser
Peter Costello
Brendan O’Regan
Aubrey Malone