The Veritas shop in Letterkenny is set to close its doors this week, bringing an emotional end to an institution that has served the faith community in Donegal for decades. A special Mass of thanksgiving was held to commemorate the shop’s contribution to the Diocese of Raphoe, with former Bishop Philip Boyce paying tribute to…
Advent is a time of preparation, when we slow down a little, anticipate what is ahead and prepare for what is to come. As I read about the funeral of Mary Regan in Co. Carlow a few days ago, I was reminded of the similarities between Advent and the funeral mass as celebrated in the…
You will be aware of the phrase “First World Problem”, usually employed sarcastically. It’s an apt description of those spoilt folk in the rich world whinging about trivialities while so much of the globe experiences real suffering. So, this may seem something of a “First World Problem”, but I’ll mention it just the same as…
Bishop Donal McKeown of Derry flew to Rome in recent weeks to meet the head of the Dicastery for Bishops Bishop Robert Francis Prevost O.S.A.(Augustinian) to petition for a change in Vatican policy towards plans to merge the dioceses of Derry and Raphoe, The Irish Catholic understands. It is believed that Bishop McKeown went to…
Advent is my favourite liturgical season of the year – a brief yet deeply meaningful time. I treasure its rich traditions: crafting the Jesse Tree, designing the Advent wreath, lighting candles that pierce the winter darkness, and enjoying the sacred melodies of Handel’s Messiah alongside familiar carols. The glow of Christmas lights against the countryside’s…
A group of 40 pilgrims set out from Dublin airport to the shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Mexico, via Amsterdam, under the good shepherding of Marian Pilgrimages guide, Michael Murphy, last October. Few of us knew each other, and each of us had our own reason for going. This was a very different and…
Lord, I am sorry. My connection with You is not so good this morning. I got up late and my morning prayer was poor. I’m sub-standard as often before. Yet, somehow, You always help and redeem the day. You assist, You make the difference between good and bad days, between win and loss. What to…
Not every Christian is called to be an apostle, prophet or evangelist, Pope Francis said, but all Christians can cultivate the fruits of the Holy Spirit by becoming “charitable, patient, humble, peacemakers.” Continuing his series of audience talks on the Holy Spirit, the pope explained that the fruits of the Spirit are different from charisms,…
Q: I have a question about the vocation of marriage. I’m very moved by the examples of widowed family and friends who continue to be very devoted to their deceased spouse, praying for them daily and visiting their graves. Often, they speak of looking forward to seeing their spouse again in Heaven. Does the Church…
Daniel Berrigan once said: “Before you get serious about Jesus, think carefully about how good you are going to look on wood!” That’s a needed caution because Jesus warned us that if we follow him, pain will flow into our lives and we will join him on the cross. What exactly does that mean? Is…
Renata Milán Morales
Maria Steen
Mary Kenny
Fr Ronald Rolheiser