Years ago, sandwiched between work and a commute, in the ambient silence of the Newman University Church, I learned about John Henry Newman for the first time. I was stirred by his motto “Heart speaks (un)to Heart”. Recently, two things propelled me to prioritise learning more about his contribution to the faith. First, he is…
It is remarkable how seldom our political leaders contribute fresh ideas about policy or take risks in order to open up new fronts in tackling the nation’s problems. There are many reasons: Lack of imagination. Distrust of the electorate. Fear of one’s political opponents and how they might seize on any ‘gaffe’. Subservience to political…
Not so long ago, I travelled to a Catholic post-primary school – and was rather taken aback. At the entrance, beside the traditional Catholic images, was a Pride emblem which seemed to promote the interests of the LGBT agenda. The school was focused on inclusivity – and there was also a trans-themed poster on the girls’…
The National Director of Aid to the Church in Need Ireland Mr Harry Casey has said that people of faith “have been almost bullied into silence” and suffer a form of persecution for their faith. Speaking at the launch of ACN’s Religious Freedom in the World Report 2025 in Dublin Mr Casey said “That in…
Priests across the Diocese of Raphoe have warmly welcomed the appointment of Bishop Niall Coll, describing the Donegal native as a man of intelligence, pastoral sensitivity, and deep local roots. expressing hope that his leadership will bring unity and renewed purpose after nearly two years without a bishop. Fr Paul McGeehan, a retired priest ordained…
Trendy cafés and plush boutiques line the streets of Achrafieh, an upmarket neighbourhood where colourful Ottoman, French colonial, and art deco homes sit side by side near Beirut’s downtown district. The breeze carries the rattle of reconstruction from the damaged port area, while far overhead a surveillance drone sent from Lebanon’s southern neighbour buzzes relentlessly…
In this ancient mosaic, Christ receives his mother at her death as lovingly as she once received him at his birth. Writes Leonard J. DeLorenzo This mosaic appears in the apse of the Basilica of Santa Maria in Trastevere in Rome. The first time I saw it, I was spellbound. I had never before seen…
Ship in Full Sail: The Laureate Lectures and Other Writings, by Colm Tóibín (Gallery Books, €16.95) Colm Tóibín may not appreciate this recommendation, but his latest collection would be a perfect Christmas present. These thirty-six articles of varying length are the collected writings from his three-year term (January 2022 – 2025) as Laureate for…
St Edith Stein’s Aesthetic, Beauty and Sanctity: Masterpiece of the Divine Artist by Elizabeth A. Mitchell (Gracewing, £17.99 / €20.50) This book offers an exploration in part of the thinking of Edith Stein. The author, Dr Elizabeth A. Mitchell, who for some time worked in the Vatican Press office as translator, is now a teacher at…
It is with deep sorrow, yet profound gratitude, that I write my sacred pause for thought this week to honour the memory of Sr Anthony (Pidgeon) Timoney OSC., of the Poor Clare Monastery, Nun’s Island, Galway, who was recently called home to her eternal rest. Galway, and all whose lives she touched, have lost a…
Senator Ronan Mullen
Martina Purdy
Peter Costello