One of the most ancient problems in philosophy is the question of ‘the one and the many’, whether reality is ultimately a unity or a plurality and how these interrelate. We might ask the same question regarding the plurality of religious faiths, Churches, and forms of worship in our world. Is there some inherent oneness…
Pope Francis seems to have a remarkable ability to drop people who were once senior aides, writes John L. Allen Jr In the 1999 film The Talented Mr Ripley, based on Patricia Highsmith’s 1955 novel, Dickie Greenleaf is a charismatic and rich young socialite who’s in the habit of drawing people into his orbit and…
Catholic schools must be allowed to admit on the basis of religion, writes David Quinn From time to time, articles appear in newspapers using the extremely loaded term ‘Baptism barrier’. It refers to a policy, now outlawed, which allowed Catholic schools to admit Catholic children ahead of other children in the event of over-enrolment. All…
The prolific writer had a particular love for one corner of Ireland, writes Fr Paul Clayton-Lea While on a journey back from Australia a few months ago I tuned into one of the offerings on the television and movie menu on the aircraft. It was a new series set in the US, and it opened…
Chai Brady, Ruadhán Jones and Jason Osborne Verbal attacks against the Catholic Church in the Dáil are inciting violent incidents targeting churches and parishioners Irish politicians have warned, adding that the Republic of Ireland is for very many Catholics now “a cold house where they feel they have to hide their faith”. The comments come…
Dance magnate Michael Flatley says his faith in God is deeply important to him, and that he can’t help but be grateful to God for the life he’s lived. Speaking on the Brendan O’Connor Show on Saturday, Mr Flatley said that he’s a “big believer in God” and that he’s got “great faith”. Speaking to…
Chai Brady in Rome The Primate of All Ireland and Archbishop of Armagh has said Pope Benedict XVI’s efforts to reach out to Traditional Latin Mass (TLM) enthusiasts did not work, which led to Pope Francis imposing restrictions. Speaking to The Irish Catholic Archbishop Eamon Martin said that while the Pope is concerned the pre-Vatican…
Parents have expressed anger and confusion over concerns that their schools were being “railroaded” into change of patronage from Catholic to secular management. Community meetings were held last month in eight areas across the country, including Dublin and Cork, as part of a pilot initiative to diversify patronage choices for parents. However, in Raheny, a…
Dear Friends of The Irish Catholic, The poet Patrick Kavanagh wrote in his poem Advent, “And Christ comes with a January flower”. The miracle of Christmas is extended into the New Year, where we discover the new life in Christ in the vulnerability of a tiny snowdrop that defies the dark nights and cold weather.…
Leading child protection campaigner Marie Collins has said plans to include survivors and victims of clerical abuse in developing the Church in Ireland’s response to victims’ needs is a “positive move”. However, the former member of the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors warned that it would only work if it’s “not just window…
Fr Ronald Rolheiser
John L. Allen Jr.
David Quinn
Chai Brady
Ruadhán Jones
Michael Kelly