In churches across Ireland, people with disabilities and their families can often feel excluded from community life, particularly when attending Mass. For some, the sensory overload of a typical Mass – with its smells and bells – can be overwhelming. To be clear, this isn’t just an issue for families with children on the spectrum…
In the 1990s, Ciarán Carey was a colossus on the hurling pitch—fierce, commanding, and brilliant. Revered as a Treaty County legend and remembered for a 15-year-long intercounty career and his iconic point against Clare in 1996. His influence still lingers on the field – played out through his nephew and modern-day great – Cian Lynch.…
Pope Leo, Pope Francis never took holidays. It became a pet peeve of mine. I felt that he was giving bad example and reinforcing the kind of culture where people could never truly relax. He did reduce his number of work commitments and make time for meeting and corresponding with friends in the summer. However,…
A native of Castlebar, Co. Mayo, Fr Mark Quinn was ordained to the priesthood for the Archdiocese of Tuam by Archbishop Francis Duffy, in the Church of the Holy Rosary, Castlebar on Sunday, July 7 of last year. Before nourishing souls, Fr Mark Quinn nourished hungry diners as he plied his trade cheffing for many…
Should more energy be put into sacramental preparation programmes? Dear Editor, Chai Brady reported (July 10) that the percentage of baptised children making First Communion and Confirmation is declining. The Iona Institute argues that the decrease makes a strong argument for a further divestment of Catholic schools, perhaps arguing that the Church should focus on…
Diocese of Meath recently hosted four training sessions across the diocese to introduce members of Parish Pastoral Councils (PPCs) to the practice of ‘Conversation in the Spirit’ — a core methodology of the Church’s synodal journey. Organised by the Diocesan Synodal Team and facilitated by trained leaders who completed the Irish Synodal Pathway’s Facilitative Leadership…
Construction continues in Rome for the Catholic Holy Year 2025, which has already been underway for months. An open-air arena has now been built for the Roman ‘World Youth Day’. The costs for Italy’s government are considerable. The Holy Year 2025 in Rome is not only a major religious event, but also an opportunity to…
Recently, the Vatican released ‘Pathways for the Implementation Phase of the Synod’, a 24-page roadmap for dioceses around the world as the Church enters a crucial new phase of the global synodal process. This marks a continuation—and deepening—of the reform project begun by Pope Francis and now shepherded forward by his successor, Pope Leo XIV.…
Dalai Lama, Inca, Tenno: for centuries, peoples of the world were ruled by god-like rulers – until their death. But the hectic, globalised 21st century is sapping the strength of the lifers. There have been many reasons in history why rulers who were also worshipped as deities had to descend from Olympus. Political defeats and…
Probably two of the best-known stories in the bible, the Good Samaritan and the Prodigal Son, come from the Gospel of Luke where Jesus gives a teaching on prominent aspects of his ministry. We hear something different in Luke’s account of Jesus’ visit to the home of Martha and Mary because this is not a…
Breda O'Brien