Despite his recent illness, Pope Francis remains an active leader of the Church, advocating for peace and reform much as he did during the COVID-19 pandemic. Even from his hospital bed, he has overseen key appointments, launched preparations for the 2028 Ecclesial Assembly, and issued repeated appeals for peace. Five years ago, Pope Francis stood…
Lebanon will soon have its own ‘camino,’ according to the Association of Pilgrimages in Lebanon (APL). Caminos Lebanon, unveiled on March 28 in Bkerké, aims to revitalise Christian religious tourism through a network of pilgrimage routes connecting the country’s historic and spiritual sites. The initiative, endorsed by Maronite Patriarch Cardinal Bechara Boutros al-Rahi and Tourism…
Laurence O’Toole, Dublin’s Own Special Saint The Latin Lives of St Laurence of Dublin edited with critical introduction by Maurice F. Roche (Four Courts Press, € 45) Catherine Swift St Laurence O’Toole is the patron saint of Dublin Archdiocese and, quite apart from the churches which are dedicated to him, such as North Wall,…
Encouraged by a believing friend, I was advised to read the Bible after an argument. I did, and it opened floodgates, says Thomas Colsy While reflecting on my journey to Catholicism, I think it right to explain how and why I came to believe the Catholic Faith was the truth, rather than merely something…
Dear Editor, I agreed 110% with Fr Chris Hayden ‘Be quick to listen’ [The Irish Catholic – March 13, 2025]. Irish Catholics really need to move on from the stereotypical desire for ‘quickie’ Masses and homilies. It’s quite immature, minimalistic and lacking in generosity to the God to whom we owe our very existence. It…
The final St Patrick’s Day address from President Michael D. Higgins was, as expected, a thoughtful and deeply reflective meditation on justice, solidarity, and shared humanity. Over the past 14 years, President Higgins has been a voice for the marginalised, the vulnerable, and those who seek a more compassionate world. His latest address stayed true…
In 2023, young Catholics from the Diocese of Rumbek, South Sudan, organised a 240-mile walking pilgrimage to Juba for Pope Francis’ visit. What began as a one-time journey has now become an annual tradition. Sr Orla Treacy, an Irish religious of the Loreto Sisters, recalled the enthusiasm of the young South Sudanese eager to see…
Following the publication of the General Estates on Religious Heritage report, French bishops are spearheading efforts to restore historic churches, not only to preserve architectural treasures but also to renew interest in the faith. Across France, from Marseille to rural Normandy, communities are celebrating the revival of their Catholic heritage. On February 2, restoration work…
A recent study has shown that ‘spiritual boredom’ can deter people from religious practices. This study by the Universities of Vienna and Sussex, was first published in the specialist journal, Communications Psychology. Lead researcher, Thomas Götz advised church leaders to pay more attention to this phenomenon and to counteract it with more appealing sermons. “The…
Dear Editor, So many excellent articles to comment on your issue of March 6 but I would like to begin with Maria Steen’s outstanding report on the media’s predictable take on the Trump/Zelenskyy meeting in the Oval Office. I cannot say I am surprised but I was certainly shocked to learn that it lasted 50…