Priests, friends and families gathered in All Hallows this July to celebrate their jubilees of ordination. From California to Australia, they came to remember and to celebrate. All Hallows sent priests all over the world, inspired by its founder, Fr John Hand.
This year the Basilica in Knock celebrates its Golden Jubilee. Opened in 1976, it has welcomed countless thousands, if not millions, through its many and open doors. On the third Sunday of May 1976, as a thirteen-year-old boy, I was in Knock for the Annual Diocesan Pilgrimage. My parents and brothers were there also. Bishop…
Nowadays, students can conveniently ask ChatGPT or Claude for answers before wrestling with a homework question. Doctors increasingly consult algorithms to support clinical decisions. Meanwhile, younger generations seem to possess an almost instinctive ability to use digital technologies to build social networks, become influencers and even earn a living. It is against this backdrop that…
Q: Why is it that when the SSPX says Mass, it’s only illicit, but now going to confession with them would be not only illicit but also invalid? A: The short answer is because the sacrament of penance has a much stronger juridical or ‘legal’ dimension than most of the other sacraments. For reference, keep…
Pope Leo XIV has appointed Bishop Michael Router as the new Bishop of Derry following the retirement of Bishop Donal McKeown. The Vatican announced on Thursday that Pope Leo had accepted Bishop McKeown’s resignation and transferred Bishop Router from his role as Auxiliary Bishop of Armagh. Bishop McKeown will remain as Apostolic Administrator of the…
As attitudes to immigration harden in Ireland, it is instructive to study what Pope Leo said about migration during his recent visit to Spain, particularly in Gran Canaria, and during his visit to Lampedusa in Italy. Catholic social teaching on migration is nuanced. Pope Leo is continuing the tradition of all the recent popes. Even…
Ann Widdecombe was always a hard act to follow, but the demands on her time meant she was also a difficult act to get onto the stage in the first place. You knew however, if only you could get her out in front of that crowd, she would be brilliant. It took us 12 months…
During a hot and sunny week in June, Clongowes Wood College in Co. Kildare was packed with energy, friendship and prayer for Camp Veritas’ week-long Irish summer camp experience. Accompanied by founders Ryan and Elizabeth Young and 100 volunteers, the 150 campers enjoyed sports, crafts, and activities along with robust catechetical sessions and daily Adoration.…
Last week, the Department of Health posted quietly on its website the latest abortion figures, showing that 10,600 abortions took place in Ireland in 2025. The new data also shows that over 65,000 abortions occurred in Ireland since the new law took effect. As well as the under-the-radar way they were released, the latest Department…
One time, on a flight to Mostar ultimately bound for Medjugorje, a ‘first-timer’ was spotted with a yoga mat attached to her backpack. This caused a flutter of consternation among some, with the hope quietly expressed that she would have lost the yoga mat by the time we returned home. Were they judgmental or extreme?…
Breda O'Brien
Senator Ronan Mullen
Eilis Mulroy