Pope Leo XIV will build bridges within the Church, and prioritise the proclamation of the Gospel writes Michael Kelly The well-worn cliché about the Catholic Church is that it is an institution so deeply rooted in tradition that it is incapable of embracing change and transition. But the reality is, few global organisations in our…
If you have heard of Madagascar, you likely know the cartoon version better than the reality. King Julian is quite the character, bringing the uniqueness of the lemur to life. Last week I had the good fortune of meeting a lemur in the flesh in Madagascar and they have as much personality as Julian. Unique…
Ireland must not join the cascade of former colonial powers trampling on people’s wishes, writes Michael Sanfey Western Sahara – previously known as Spanish Sahara – had been under Spanish colonial control since the late 19th century until Spain decided to pull out in 1975 leading to a tussle for control between Morocco, Mauritania and…
“I want to give you something to remember me by.” When two friends or companions separate, words are spoken and perhaps small phrases are exchanged, or even a gift– something to keep in each other’s memory– a little memento perhaps to be worn or to be kept nearby. My younger sister proudly now wears our…
The Acts of the Apostles says that it was at Antioch that the followers of Jesus were first called “Christians”. I once heard a challenging homily where the priest asked: “If you were put on trial and accused of being a Christian, would they find enough evidence to convict you?” An interesting question, without a…
The whole concern of doctrine and its teaching must be directed to the love that never ends. That is a grand vision for life, not just something the Vatican says, writes Fr Chris Hayden. There’s nothing new about the phrase, ‘The Vatican says…’ There are, of course, many versions, such as ‘According to the Vatican,’…
Does every age get the Pope it needs and deserves writes theologian Fr Eamonn Conway A year into the pontificate of Pope Francis, Charles Chaput, then Archbishop of Philadelphia, commented, “G.K. Chesterton said that every age gets the saint it needs. Not the saint people want, but the saint they need; the saint who’s the…
By László Molnárfi A group of more than 50 people have registered to take part in a five-day hunger strike demanding justice for Gaza, organisers say. At the launch, held in Béguinage Church in the heart of Brussels on Monday, speakers highlighted the European Union’s “hypocrisy” on the Israel-Palestine war, the necessity of…
Church and state were intertwined when the Emperor Constantine legalised Christianity in 313. While it meant Christians no longer were persecuted, new challenges and difficulties awaited believers. Resolution of doctrinal arguments was now a political problem as much as anything. At best, such theological clashes meant that Christians would not talk to each other and,…
Last week I was writing about care of the elderly in nursing homes. This week, the caring was closer to actual home. Young carers were highlighted on The Pat Kenny Show (Newstalk, Tuesday) when the host spoke to two impressive young carers. Both were school-goers and came across as very mature for their age, not…
Michael Kelly
Fr Ronald Rolheiser
Brendan O’Regan