Ryan Tubridy, always a huge advocate for reading and someone with a great love of Irish books, gave high praise to Mythical Irish Beasts on the Late Late Toy Show on Friday night. Published by Currach Press, the book explores the mysterious and fantastical creatures of Ireland’s mythology. Mr Turbidy presented the book in the…
The Peter McVerry Trust has revealed that a record-breaking number of people suffering financially have availed of the charity’s services this year. In its 2017 annual report, published on December 4, the charity said it has been supporting almost 5000 people experiencing or at risk of homelessness. Some 313 people progressed out of homelessness while…
The bishops of the Central African Republic (CAR) have set aside the day before Advent as a day of mourning and prayer for victims of ongoing violence in the country. December 1, is significant, as it marks the anniversary of CAR’s establishment as a republic after French colonial rule. In a statement, the bishops urged…
Youth Space Dan Pender reflects on the unforgettable impact of the papal visit On a changeable Summer’s day in the Phoenix Park amidst a sea of memorabilia, crucifixes and ‘Lollipopes’ I got to see the Holy Father himself, Pope Francis. Back in April when my classmates and I were asked to volunteer for the…
Philippine Catholic bishops are standing by Bishop Pablo Virgilio David of Kalookan after he was targeted by President Rodrigo Duterte’s recent tirades. The controversial president accused the Kalookan prelate of giving Church donations to his family. Duterte also said he thought the bishop might be into drugs and threatened him with hanging. Archbishop Romulo Valles, head of the Catholic…
Have a Lullymore Christmas! With the Christmas holidays well and truly arrived, it’s that time of year where children finally get meet Santa Claus! Father Christmas will be greeting visitors, both young and old, at Kildare’s Lullymore Heritage and Discovery Park up till December 23. The 2018 Christmas visit will include a gift from the…
Dear Editor, I am very dismayed about a letter published last week (IC 29/11/18) which said that high profile human welfare charities are addicted to their public self-importance. The author, John Tierney, concluded: “But we must never forget the adage; charity should be given without being asked for.” I think this perspective is very cynical…
Advent Sunday: ‘Pray for children in Syria’ Pope Francis lit a candle, a symbol of hope, to pray for children affected by violence and war in Syria and across the Middle East. “Advent is a time of hope. At this moment I would like to make the hope for peace of the children of Syria, beloved Syria, mine,” the Pope prayed…
Pat O’Kelly Not surprisingly, December reaps its usual crop of Handel’s Messiah even if the work relates to Christ’s Passion and Resurrection as much as to His Nativity. Messiah covers the Church’s year from advent to advent with Christ Triumphant as its magnificent coda. Along with the Irish Baroque Orchestra, the choral group Resurgam,…
Hannah Brockhaus Learning to pray well is a continual process, but should always start from a place of humility, as Jesus demonstrated in the Gospels, Pope Francis said today. “Even if we have been praying for so many years, we must always learn!” the Pope said. “The prayer of man, this yearning that is…