The events surrounding the Passion and death of Jesus feature many interesting characters who show up and are then entered into legend. Joseph of Arimathea, Simon of Cyrene, the centurion. But among the secret believers is one who is not, one who in fact seemed to be the opposite of Jesus and that is the…
On the eve of his retirement, Bishop Donal McKeown of Derry has said in future there will not be a priest in every parish and the faithful must embrace a faith sustained “by committed lay people”. The bishop’s 75th birthday lands on April 12, when he must submit his resignation to the Pope. Reflecting on…
In the busy life of a young person trying to juggle school, work, hobbies, family and our social lives, sometimes we might forget the importance of stepping away from the constant hustle and bustle of life and giving time to reflect on spiritual growth and reconnect with God. Yet, this is often exactly what we…
As part of the Jubilee Mass for the sick and healthcare workers in Dundalk, two new ambulances acquired by the Order of Malta’s ambulance corps and volunteers were blessed by Bishop Michael Router of Derry, chair of the Council for Healthcare for the Catholic Bishops, at St Patrick’s Church, Dundalk. The regional Chaplain for the…
Recently, the Youth 2000 regional Spring retreat for Connaught took place in The Claddagh, Galway. Facilitated by Youth 2000 National Leader, Helena O’Shea and organised by Connaught Youth 2000 leaders, Kathryn Freney and Stiofán Mac Brádaigh, the tone was set for the one-day retreat by final-year psychology student, Kieran Barrett-Gomez. Kieran, a convert to Catholicism,…
Currently based in the parish of Castlerea, Co. Roscommon and recently appointed as administrator of Sligo Cathedral parish by Bishop Kevin Doran, Fr Chris Garrett was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Elphin in May 2023 in the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Sligo, by Bishop Kevin Doran. His mother was Irish, and his…
The legendary Gaelic footballer and manager, Mick O’Dwyer – affectionately known as Micko, passed away at the age of 88 on April 3, 2025. Fr Seán Jones PP of Dromod/Waterville paid a heartfelt tribute to the man who inspired generations of players. A sporting icon, Micko won four All-Ireland titles and twelve Munster championships as…
In the deep peace of Monastery of Pius XII in Fatima the Dominican Sisters of the Perpetual Rosary are rarely seen behind the grille as they devote their contemplative lives to prayer and meditation. On February 5, however, the convent was buzzing with excitement and merriment as the Sisters came forth to celebrate with joy…
A group of from the Dioceses of Limerick and Killaloe have been gathering “in response to the Universal Synod invitation to engage with those who feel ‘excluded or judged because of their marital situation, identity or sexuality’.” Aiming to create a welcoming environment where LGBTQI+ people, along with their family members and allies can meet,…
Where might we experience Jesus today in a world that is seemingly too crowded with its own concerns to allow a space for him? The renowned spirituality writer Tomas Halik, in a recent book entitled The Afternoon of Christianity, makes this suggestion. As the world makes less and less explicit space for Jesus, we need…
Chai Brady
Renata Milán Morales
Renata Steffens
Fr Ronald Rolheiser