A group of young Irish Catholics became the first fully English-speaking group to take part in the Franciscan pilgrimage to the Pardon of Assisi in its 44-year history. Around 20 pilgrims, accompanied by Bro. Ronan Sharpley OFM and another Franciscan friar, walked for three days towards Assisi, covering up to 30km a day in temperatures…
A Catholic parish in New York has suffered what the Diocese of Brooklyn says is the fourth incident of vandalism in two years after a man destroyed a statue of the Blessed Mother in an early-morning attack. The destructive episode at St Rita Roman Catholic Church in the neighbourhood of Long Island City in Queens…
Mass readings: Isaiah 56:1, 6-7 Romans 11:13-15, 29-32 Matthew 15:21-28 Every year, on August 17, countless Irish pilgrims turn their hearts towards Knock. Many of them cannot think of the shrine without quietly recalling the familiar hymn: “There were people of all ages, gathered round the gable wall, poor and humble men and women, little…
A view from the Plinth A visit from Donald Trump to Doonbeg for the Irish Open golf is in prospect. I am not expecting to face the political dilemma of whether to attend a sitting in Leinster House for an address by the President. That is not going to happen. It’s not even clear whether…
In Heaven our union with God will be constant and have no disruption, writes Johnny Higgins The ultimate destination for a follower of God is as mysterious as it is captivating. Each day with our human limitations we attempt to carry our own cross in prayer and deeds to prove ourselves worthy of entering…
A historic church in Co. Cork, built two years before Catholic Emancipation, is preparing for its bicentennial with “unusual events” and fundraising for church restoration and heritage preservation. The Doneraile Parish was the home of many famous priests and still conserves its historical importance. In preparation for the Church of the Nativity of the Blessed…
The Lord detests lying lips, but he delights in people who are trustworthy. Russian information operations on European social media are aimed at undermining trust in Ukraine and reducing its support from European partners. This activity also extends to Ireland. Narratives and topics concerning immigration and asylum, Ireland’s housing crisis, and the failures of liberal…
The most convincing argument for the truth of our faith against every denial is the witness of the saints and the beauty that their lives have generated. This is particularly true when that beauty shines like a light in the darkness of a time in human history that threatened us with despair. A terrible time…
Catholics should not leave their faith at home when going on holidays, Bishop Alphonsus Cullinan has said, encouraging families to use time away for spiritual as well as physical renewal. Speaking on a recent podcast, the Bishop of Waterford and Lismore said holidays provide a legitimate break from everyday duties, but warned against allowing them…
“The best thing about being 80 is that you outlive the clocks that have been chasing you. It’s freedom from that lie than anything was ever under control.” – Bob Dylan In anticipation of President Trump’s 80th birthday, The New York Times asked prominent celebrity octogenarians, Bob Dylan, Gloria Steinem, Robert De Niro and others,…
Fr Dominik Domagala
Senator Ronan Mullen
Renata Steffens