Madison Duddy explores how concert going can improve health For many, music is a significant part of their life. The second people start their morning commute, the headphones go in or the car radio is switched on, bringing some fun to an otherwise ordinary morning. One does not have to be a singer, dancer…
Another Congo diocese intensifies fight against Ebola
A Catholic diocese in Congo has boosted measures to protect its congregations against Ebola, after the latest outbreak was declared an international emergency by the World Health Organisation. “The Goma Diocese is joining the general preoccupation with preventive precautions,” said a statement issued by Msgr Jacques Letakamba, diocesan chancellor. “Washing will now be obligatory for…
Katy Perry to compensate Christian rapper
Famous singer Katy Perry has been ordered to pay a Christian rapper thousands after a judge ruled that she copied elements of his song. Gospel artist Flame – real name Marcus Gray – sued the 34-year-old popstar after he successfully showed the court that her 2013 hit ‘Dark Horse’ was based on his song ‘Joyful…
Charities help immigrant children with increased levels of fear and stress
Arrests of immigrants in the US illegally are increasing nationwide, and the result is more children are losing – or fearing they will lose – a parent through detention or deportation. On July 22, the Trump administration released a new policy allowing immigration officials to quickly arrest and deport undocumented immigrants without going before a…
Making the most of a wide, wide world
Elsewhere: One Woman, One Rucksack, One Lifetime of Travel by Rosita Boland (Doubleday, €16.99) Barbara Pierce Elsewhere is a fascinating series of essays written about extraordinary journeys travelled by Rosita Boland over a period of about thirty years. She set off alone with only a 10kg bag, a passport and a black note book, no…
A Search for solitude: The woman behind Grásta Dé
Personal Profile Madison Duddy Such spiritual places of retreat will be needed to recover ground lost to the materialism of modern Ireland,” says Gráinne McGroarty, a Co. Donegal native who founded Grásta Dé, a group of hermitage sites within the Inishowen peninsula. Gráinne believes this hectic world wears people out physically and spiritually, and a…
Lay group’s national congress to focus on Church’s future
A well-known lay organisation’s national congress will focus both on the challenging times the Church currently faces, and plans for the future. St Joseph’s Young Priests Society (SJYPS) will hold their congress in Dublin City University from August 24-25. The society decided on the theme ‘Be not afraid – the Lord is my shepherd’, saying…
Vatican Roundup
Abuse reports confirmed about famed Jesuit in Chile While deceased Jesuit Fr Renato Poblete Barth was known publicly as a champion of the poor in Chile, an internal investigation funded by the Jesuits revealed that the famed clergyman abused more than a dozen women over a span of nearly 50 years. The results of the…
In Brief
Fire destroys ‘treasured’ historic church in Texas The Church of the Visitation in Westphalia, a nearly 125-year-old wooden church with bell towers on each side, burned to the ground last week. The fire, which began in the morning, is still under investigation. Parishioners ran into the burning church to save what they could, including its…
Highlighting Church failure isn’t a great start, bishop
Dear Editor, How unfortunate that the newly appointed Auxiliary Bishop of Armagh should start his new ministry by high-ighting the Church’s failure with regard to the status of women in its ministry. When he said that the Church “has to follow the lead of its founder Jesus Christ” regarding women’s place in the hierarchy (IC…