Last week I wrote about Fr Michael Baggott, a professor lecturing AI and ethics in the Vatican, on foot of a BBC appearance. I wasn’t expecting to come across him again so soon. He gave a very comprehensive interview on The Claire Byrne Show (Newstalk, Tuesday). As before he was articulate, personable and reasonable –…
I sat the Leaving Certificate in June 1981. I don’t remember much about it other than I am sure I was very nervous, since that would be my default setting for all exams! In my mind’s eye, I can see hands going up looking for an extra answer sheet whilst mine was less than a…
The Supper of the Lamb: A Culinary Reflection, by Robert Farrar Capon (Modern Library, US$20.00 / €17.50) This has been a bad summer not just in Europe but also in North America. The lack of rain and the bleaching out of the vegetation has threatened food shortages for the coming winter. Such a summer underlines…
An Artist in Glass: Frances Biggs, a pamphlet by John Keating (gratis at Terenure College Chapel) Recently a funeral Mass took us to the chapel of Terenure College. The last time I was in the college was to attend a book launch of a history of the college itself by Prof. Fergus D’Arcy; that very…
Downfall of a King: Juan Carlos of Spain, by Paul Preston (William Collins, £30.00 / €35.50) Paul Preston is one of the foremost historians of modern Spain. He has written sixteen books about the history of Spain since the late 19th century, most of them describing different aspects of the Civil War. Preston, an…
KANDLE priests say fewer personnel are forcing a rethink of parish life Bishop Denis Nulty has warned that declining priest numbers are forcing Kildare & Leighlin to rethink Mass schedules, workloads and how its 117 churches are served. In a pastoral letter read out at Masses on Sunday, Bishop Nulty said priests being recalled by…
“The Synod is watering the garden, but the house is on fire.” That is not The Irish Catholic talking. It is the verdict of an experienced parish priest in the Diocese of Kildare & Leighlin, a man who supports the synodal pathway and has given years to it, speaking after this summer’s appointments were announced.…
Who would have imagined that one of the biggest celebrities associated with Christian faith would be a country and western singer in an exaggerated blonde wig, glittering rhinestone costumes and teetering high heels? But yes, the late Dolly Parton always openly proclaimed her Christianity, said she started each day with a prayer, and asked God,…
The pro-life cause unites all Christians, Bernadette Smyth, Chairwoman of Precious Life, told The Irish Catholic following a Rosary Vigil for Life in front of Belfast City Hall on August 30, when hundreds gathered in prayer in response to Belfast City Council’s plans to illuminate the City Hall in celebration of abortion. The City Hall…
Abortion is a ‘David and Goliath’ fight – and we all know how that turned out. But securing the right to life for unborn children is going to be a long battle before victory is won. While David had five stones, we Catholics have five decades on our rosaries – powerful spiritual weapons. “God has…
Brendan O’Regan
Peter Costello
Mary Kenny
Renata Steffens
Martina Purdy