Two politicians have slammed the recent calls to remove religious orders from schools, with one saying that it is an example of “bigotry and opportunism” that seeks to promote a specific personal agenda rather than focus on the harms that have been inflicted on survivors of abuse in religious-run schools. Speaking to The Irish Catholic,…
How thought-provoking it is now to turn over the pages of the renowned Dictionary of Irish Biography (published by the Royal Irish Academy) and note how frequently Irish religious schools have been mentioned with honour. Almost all of the revolutionary generation men were educated by priests and brothers; and even among noteworthy Irishmen who died…
A view from the Seanad Before going into politics, I spent a brief period practising at the Bar. Going in and out of the Bridewell courthouse, I was often struck by the bold inscription above me: ‘Fiat Iustitia Ruat Caelum’, i.e. ‘Let Justice be Done though the Heavens Fall’. It is an important statement of intent that should apply to every…
In two special visits on August 22 and 29, Bishop Paul Dempsey engaged with young people in Dublin, giving insightful talks to two youth prayer groups, ‘Youth Rathmines’ and ‘Pure in Heart’. Bishop Dempsey focused on his personal vocation journey to the priesthood and his experiences as a bishop. During his presentation, Bishop Dempsey talked…
This year, the National Ploughing Championships, located in the Diocese of Kildare & Leighlin, will take place from September 17-19 in Ratheniska, Portlaoise, Co. Laois. The diocese will be represented in stand 221 and will highlight the suffering of victims in war torn areas such as Gaza and Ukraine. In the stand, the visitors will be…
The new report on abuse in religious-run schools is demoralising, and yet so much good work is being done writes Michael Kelly The ‘scoping inquiry’ investigating historical allegations of abuse in religious-run schools again shines a light on a dark part of Irish history. It lifts the lid on a culture where predators abused with…
The Irish Church has been facing a big clerical challenge in the past few years, with many priests retiring – rightfully – at the age of 75. This challenge is not related to the retirements, but the lack of available priests, as ordinations are not occurring at the same pace. Recently, Ireland witnessed a positive…
Several inquiries needed on all schools, state facilities The most recent report revealing allegations of child sexual abuse in Catholic secondary schools makes for grim reading. The pain endured by victims of abuse in religious-run schools and the sense of scandal that it has given rise to cannot be minimised. Whatever the sense of injustice…
Parishioners in Culmore, Derry have been worrying about the future of their local church since 2022, when Derry Diocese decided to close the church following the Sisters of Mercy’s decision to sell the church building they rented to the diocese. A group of parishioners appealed to the Vatican but received the news the diocese’s decision…
A few years ago, I was introduced to an American priest in Dublin. When I heard he was from Pennsylvania, the words were swiftly out of my mouth: “Oh boy, you guys have some real problems there right now”. I was referring to a massive sex abuse scandal. But when I saw the pained look on…
Brandon Scott
Mary Kenny
Senator Ronan Mullen
Renata Milán Morales
Michael Kelly
Renata Steffens
Martina Purdy