There was joy and relief as the news broke that divers in northern Thailand have rescued 12 boys and their football coach from flooded caves, 17 days after they got trapped underground. The plight of the group and the dangerous work to free them has gripped the world’s attention. Parishioners in Ireland were amongst those…
WMOF 2018 Fr Francis Judge In Mayo, Crossmolina Parish enjoyed an important and joyful gathering in recognition of the World Meeting of Families, which takes place August 21-26. Thousands of families and individuals from all over Ireland and the world are expected to attend this very special occasion. During our celebration in June a number of…
WMOF 2018 Sally Casey The parish of Dunloy and Cloughmills in the Diocese of Down and Connor enjoyed huge success after holding a ‘Together in Parish’ event organised by the parish pastoral council and local groups, to launch celebrations for the WMOF2018. Bunting and flags of the world were erected on Saturday and these fluttered…
An English bishop warned Catholics to be alert to the possible deliberate killings of seriously ill patients in state-funded hospitals. Bishop Philip Egan of Portsmouth issued a pastoral message to clergy and laity after the publication of a report, which concluded that 650 people died in a hospital within his diocese after they were given…
Loneliness is rife in modern Ireland, writes Davis Clark It is perhaps the greatest contradiction of our modern age that even as avenues of communication have multiplied, allowing us spend more and more time in contact with others, we seem to feel increasingly isolated and alienated from those around us. A tidal wave of…
The Vatican has released a document that establishes norms and principles for women who dedicate their lives as consecrated virgins, outlining their place in the life of the Church. Presenting the new document at the Vatican press office, Cardinal Joao Braz de Aviz, prefect of the Congregation for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of…
On the Summits of the Highest Love by Enzo Farinella (Edizioni Grafiser, €15.00) Through Mountains and Valleys by Enzo Farinella (Edizioni Grafiser, €15.00) Joe Carroll The author is a former cultural attaché at the Italian embassy in Dublin, who has settled in Ireland as a journalist and RAI correspondent, and has made it his mission in life to…
Durrow’s scarecrow hay day heyday For those who’ve only seen scarecrows at a distance or in classic movies like the Wizard of Oz, the Durrow Scarecrow Festival is sure to offer an interesting and educational experience. Taking place in Durrow from July 29 to August 6, the festival will host the All-Ireland Scarecrow Championship, in…
Ursula Hayden Following the monthly family Mass in St Clare’s Church, Graiguecullen, Co. Carlow the parish of Graiguecullen/Killeshin was treated to a spectacular family fun day and BBQ in the grounds of the church and the parish swimming pool. The crowds were lead to the festivities from the church doors by Killeshin Pipe Band. It’s…
Children’s Corner Davis Clark The summer is sure to send many of us to the beach to soak up the sun and cool off. While you’re there, you may stumble across some shells. Collecting shells is a fun and time-honoured activity, and a great way for kids to explore their environment. If they hold…