Dear Editor, Thank you to David Quinn for his comments in the June 9 issue on the problem of bias in the Irish media. It’s so frustrating day after day to have to observe this blatant bias in action in our national papers and on our radio/television. The Irish media behave as though Catholics in this country are not…
Historic Orthodox Council underway despite divisions
The Holy and Great Council of the Orthodox Church has commenced in Crete amid division and last-minute absences. The historic synod, intended to be the first full gathering of all Orthodox leaders since 787, had hoped to keep its divisions purely a matter of internal discussion but an 11th-hour announcement by the Churches of Russia,…
World News in Brief
Spanish Cardinal faces investigation after marriage sermon Cardinal Antonio Cañizares Llovera of Valencia, Spain, has been placed under investigation by regional authorities following a raft of complaints from gay rights activists and socialist groups against a sermon he gave in defence of traditional marriage. The cardinal, in the course of his sermon, said: “We have legislation contrary to the family, the…
Patriarchs lament inaction against ISIS
Patriarchs for Middle Eastern communities ousted by the rise of so-called Islamic State (ISIS) have criticised the failure of the international community to act fully two years after that group’s emergence. In a joint statement, Syriac Patriarch Ignatius Aphrem II and Syriac Catholic Patriarch Ignatius Youssef III Younan said that while they are grateful to…
An eye-opening insight into conflict
Caoimhe Judge describes the impact of development education on students in her school
Recent books in brief
The Gaze of Love by Ruth Patterson (Veritas, €14.99) Ruth Patterson is an Ulster Presbyterian minister long associated with the Restoration Ministries, who have worked in the North as well as elsewhere since the 1980s, in a non-denominational way to promote not just peace and reconciliation, but also healing. But the key to this healing…
The World of Books
James Joyce’s talented cousin
News in Brief
Archbishop asks for prayers for Orlando Archbishop Diarmuid Martin has asked for the Prayers of the Faithful at all Masses in the Dublin archdiocese on the coming weekend to remember those who have been affected by the shooting in a nightclub in Orlando on Sunday, which killed 50 people and left several more injured. He also cautioned against “unfoundedly” and…
Richard Gere screens homelessness film at Rome soup kitchen
Hollywood superstar Richard Gere attended a screening of his new film detailing life as a homeless man on the streets of New York at a soup kitchen in Rome affiliated with the Sant’Egidio community. Around 100 homeless people attended the screening at the soup kitchen, during which the actor told them it was “overwhelming to…
Irish Church must focus on ‘quality’ of seminarians
Staff reporter A senior Vatican official has said the Church in Ireland has to come to terms with its “new reality” and focus on the “quality” of its seminarians. Archbishop Jorge Carlos Patrón Wong, Secretary for Seminaries at the Congregation for Clergy, said he has “hope” for the future of the priesthood in Ireland. There is…