State Papers Echoes of the past from the archives As a consequence of the Wood Quay affair in 1970s and the social, political and environmental damage it did, the preservation of Ireland’s complicated heritage was on the minds of many in the late 1980s. There was then an idea promoted by a group which…
Dear Editor, After reading Bairbre Cahill’s piece on ‘It’s time to end the sacramental production line’ (IC 12/12/19) I can only give you my own experience. Could I suggest that we bring the preparation into the schools rather than taking it out? I was one of those parents who just brought their children for sacraments…
Youth Space Friendship and fellowship in university can change your life, writes Sandra Parda My name is Sandra Parda, I’m the auditor of the Life Society and in my final year of studies in NUI Galway. In February I converted back into Catholicism and received so many graces along the way. It’s been…
Children’s Corner Snow is like marmite; you either love it or hate it. However, most kids probably fall into the former category. The opportunity to throw snowballs, make a snowman and sledge down a hill is one that few children would voluntarily miss. Playing in the snow is a wonderful chance for family bonding and…
State Papers Echoes of the past from the archives Throughout the late 1980s the future of the Blaskets off the Kerry coast was of great concern. This interest was focused on the Great Blasket, which was where the village was, and on the homes of Tomás Ó Criomhthain, Peig Sayers and Maurice O’Sullivan –…
A tribute to folk-rock duo It’s been over 50 years since Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel joined forces to create one of the most well-known folk-rock groups. Their songs are recognised around the world and although the duo are no longer together, you can still get a chance to hear some of their most famous…
Pope Francis prays for Philippine typhoon victims Reciting the Angelus with thousands of people in St Peter’s Square the day after Christmas, Pope Francis asked them to join him in reciting the Hail Mary for the victims of Typhoon Phanfone in the Philippines. The Pope told the crowd that he shared the suffering of the…
Bishop Denis Brennan marked the departure of the Adoration Sisters from Bride Street Church in Wexford with a homily praising them for their “commitment and dedication”. The sisters were present in the convent for 144 years. The historic building will be made into a residence for American students. The group of enclosed nuns was established…
Maynooth’s Professor of Homiletics lives on through the preaching of his students, writes Fr Paul Clayton-Lea “I hope you’re not going to bore the socks off another generation of Irish Catholics” was the unlikely opening remark of the Professor of Homiletics Fr Ronan Drury to my class of seminarians in St Patrick’s College, Maynooth…
The Cathedral parish in Armagh has introduced contactless payments to meet the needs of parishioners as more and more people don’t carry cash. A new free standing portal was installed in St Patrick’s Cathedral, with Administrator Fr Peter McAnenly saying it will help support the demands of the parish. Fr McAnenly said: “It is a…