On Saturday, the Bundoran library hosted the launch of a vibrant new bilingual (English and Ukrainian) book, Jellyfish and Eggs, created by Irish, Ukrainian, and international children living in Bundoran, Co. Donegal. In it, young authors share their lives, dreams, and stories about the community they now call home. The book was published by Kids’…
Over a thousand pilgrims went to Lourdes for Dublin Diocese’s annual pilgrimage. It takes three full charter planes to bring a total of 1,300 people to the Shrine. More than 100 assisted pilgrims, about 200 school and college students, a team of doctors, nurses, chaplains, male and female helpers traditionally called ‘brancardiers’ and handmaids, teachers,…
It was hardly a great advertisement for Ireland when Pope Leo, as Bishop Robert Prevost, reported that when visiting this country he had been physically attacked in the street. This had occurred probably in 2007 (he came to Ireland twice, once in 2005 and then again two years later). “Never in my life have I…
There is a good chance you had never heard of Charlie Kirk, the young American political activist, until he was murdered in America last week while addressing students at an open-air event at a university in Utah. Only those who follow US politics very closely will have heard of him. I was somewhat aware of…
I do hate saying this as it sounds very pretentious but I need to make reference to a book I wrote. The one before the last one was called Dipping into Life. A number of people came up to me afterwards and said, ‘I love that book’ and some would go on to say, ‘I…
How Sr Fiona Pryle has spent decades battling for women’s safety The numbers are stark. Gardai were called to more than 65,000 incidents of domestic abuse last year, a 45% rise in just four years. But the numbers don’t tell the whole story, behind those figures are lives marked by fear, isolation, and tragedy.…
As the need for Padre Pio ministry in Ireland grows with continued interest in and reverence for the saint, the Irish Capuchin Franciscan Friars have created a new Padre Pio Apostolate Team. Their hope is to continue the work of Fr Bryan Shortall, the former National Director of Padre Pio Ministry in Ireland. A publication…
As September 23 approaches, Catholics across the world prepare to commemorate St Pio of Pietrelcina, known affectionately as Padre Pio, a 20th Century mystic whose reputation for holiness continues to confound sceptics and inspire generations. Most Catholics know Padre Pio’s story: born Francesco Forgione in 1887 in Pietrelcina, Italy, received the stigmata in 1918, died…
When I think about the saints most beloved by modern Catholics, Padre Pio tops the list. His weathered face and brown Capuchin habit are iconic. His remarkable personal story, his strong-willed personality and the intensity of his spiritual life are absolutely captivating. But here’s the thing: I think most people get the reason this saint…
During his Sunday Angelus recently with pilgrims gathered in St Peter’s Square, Pope Leo gave us a call to love when he said, “Let us where we are, never miss an opportunity to love. This is the vigilance that Jesus asks of us, to get used to being attentive, available and sensitive to one another,…
Mary Kenny
David Quinn