Philosophers arguing for God’s existence

The Ontological Argument, a critique from a Thomistic perspective by J. Anthony Gaughan (Kingdom Books, €15.00) Donal Murray In this book, Fr Tony Gaughan has undertaken a careful and thorough reflection on what Patrick Masterson, President Emeritus of UCD, describes in his foreword as “one of philosophy’s perennial and still fascinating preoccupations”. Generations of philosophers, theologians…

Church fights ‘hunger never experienced before’

Fr Eckar Rolón does not expect his workload to evaporate October 15 when his small landlocked country, Paraguay, reopens its borders with neighbouring Argentina and Brazil after seven months. Fr Rolón has coordinated a massive food programme in Ciudad del Este, Paraguay’s second-largest city, since the coronavirus pandemic hit in March and borders were closed,…

Poverty not Catholicism reason for Covid-19 hotspots

A data analyst has challenged a DUP minister’s claim that there are more Covid-19 hotspots in Catholic communities, saying poverty is the key factor linked to outbreaks not religion. Speaking to The Irish News, Peter Donaghy said it was in socially deprived areas that people won’t have jobs which allow them to work from home.…

Dutch govt backs euthanasia for children under 12

The government of the Netherlands has announced it will allow the euthanisation of terminally ill children between the ages of one and 12. “There is a need for active termination of life among doctors and parents of incurably ill children, who are suffering hopelessly and unbearably and will die within the foreseeable future,” Health Minister…

Vatican Roundup

Pope picks Bishop Semeraro to lead sainthood congregation Pope Francis has named Italian Bishop Marcello Semeraro of Albano, secretary of his Council of Cardinals, to be the new prefect of the Congregation for Saints’ Causes. The bishop, 72, succeeds Cardinal Angelo Becciu, whom the Pope forced to resign in late September because of suspicious financial…

Students praised for new Roscrea ‘Prayer Path’ creation

The Faithful gathered to mark the official opening and blessing of the new Prayer Path in Mount Saint Joseph Abbey created by the 2019-2020 Transition Year students from Cistercian College with singers, poetry readings and more. Abbott Dom Malachy Thompson blessed the path and cut the ribbon. He congratulated the students, Fr AodhánMcDunphy and Paddy…

Dying with dignity bill is a ‘Trojan horse’

Dear Editor, It is ironic that the so-called Dying with Dignity bill was introduced into the Dáil during palliative care week. Several professionals from the hospice and palliative care sector have warned that this bill is a ‘Trojan horse’ which will ruin our current gold standard of end of life care, where the patient, family…

Family News & Events

Cool Food School Hallowe’en Treats The Cool Food School are offering an interactive online workshop for children to learn how to make healthy Hallowe’en snacks. Facilitated by Tallaght Library, the course is aimed at “getting your kids in the kitchen, learning how to cook and making some fun, healthy, Hallowe’en treats”! “Hallowe’en doesn’t have to…