Vatican Roundup

Faith 
in 
Jesus 
satisfies 

deeper 
hungers Doing God’s will means believing in Jesus and allowing love for him to translate into love for one’s neighbours, Pope Francis has said. The Gospel story of the multiplication of loaves demonstrates the concern Jesus showed for people’s daily physical needs, the Pope said, but the passages that follow show how “it is even…

Five sand science experiments for you to enjoy

Children’s Corner Davis Clark   As we move deeper into summer, you may find yourself heading to the beach to catch a few rays before the season ends. While the ocean is certainly an opportunity to have fun, it can also provide the opportunity for learning. Playing with sand has always been a favourite activity…

Tourists should promote respect online says cardinal

With more and more people planning their vacations online and sharing their experiences digitally, the tourism industry and tourists themselves should pay more attention to using online forums to encourage respect for the locales visited and for the communities that live there, the Vatican said. In a message for the September 27 celebration of World…

We must retain our common decency

Dear Editor, Greg Daly’s analysis piece, (IC 26/07/18) on the proposed referendum to remove the Constitution’s provision on blasphemy, and the associated Defamation Act 2009, was a timely reminder that it works, is important, and is a model for other countries. The purpose of the Constitution is to outline the standards we aspire to live…

Managing God’s house

Personal Profile Matthew Carlson learns about the intricacies of parish life   Born in England, Glen Phillips says that there were two things that were enforced in his house growing up: soccer and Faith. “I grew up going to Mass. Growing up in our house there were two things, being Catholic and supporting Manchester United,”…

Youth show the way to reconfiguring the Church

The Notebook Fr Conor McDonough   Archbishop Diarmuid Martin recently spoke with candour about the Church’s outreach to young people, describing it as “an area where I have failed”. If he has, he’s certainly not alone in the Irish Church. Young people today will not adopt the faith by osmosis, but need clear arguments, joyful…

Family News and Events

Ketch-up with the festival Is a tomato a fruit or a vegetable? This historic debate could easily be the topic of discussion at a festival which celebrates the mysterious food item. The Totally Terrific Tomato Festival will be paying homage to the ingredient vital for bolognese and pizza, with a series of exhibitions, talks, cookery…

Harris must stop ‘interfering’ with NI abortion laws

A prominent pro-life group has condemned Health Minister Simon Harris who said he will provide abortion to women from the North of Ireland when the regime is introduced in the South. Precious Life said it was a “shocking and outrageous attack” on Northern Ireland’s unborn babies and the democratic process after Simon Harris said last…

International sport star joins WMOF line-up

Matthew
 Carlson   A former Irish international rugby player has been chosen to speak at the Pastoral Conference at the World Meeting of Families this month. Ronan O’Gara played fly-half for several Irish teams and is now the assistant coach of the Canterbury Crusaders in New Zealand. O’Gara will be speaking on the topic of ‘Celebrating…