Daria Sockey During his pontificate, Pope Benedict XVI said that there was one prayer that he wished all Catholics would learn to use. Can you guess what it is? Guess again – not the rosary. Nope. Not the Divine Mercy Chaplet either. Here are some hints. This prayer is nearly as old as the…
Jenna Marie Cooper Q: I’m reading the Catechism of the Catholic Church and have a question about ccc 460. Can you please fully explain the lines: “For the son of God became man so that we might become God” and “… might make men gods.” I am to become God? That doesn’t seem right.…
All Desire is a Desire for Being, Essential writings of René Girard selected by Cynthia L. Haven (Penguin Classics, £12.99pb/€15.50pb) Frank Litton We cannot get away from the ubiquity of violence in human affairs. The wars in Ukraine, Yemen, Sudan – the list goes on and on. The slaughter of Jews during the Second World War…
Cindy Wooden With the approach of the assembly of the Synod of Bishops, a major event in the pontificate of Pope Francis, it was surprising that the Pope did not use the word ‘synod’ or ‘synodality’ in any of his talks to the 1.5 million young people gathered in Portugal for World Youth Day. If…
At Jesus’ first miracle in Cana Mary told the servants to “do whatever he tells you”. This was the pastoral theme in Lourdes a few years ago and was echoed recently at a meeting in Graiguecullen/Killeshin parish in the diocese of Kildare and Leighlin, where 11 young adult parishioners prepared to set off to Lourdes…
The bigger job of synod organisers is to engage young people in the first place, writes Chris Altieri For an entire generation of young people – some of them misfits and some cool kids, some convinced Catholics but also plenty of folks on the fence and free-spirited seekers – Pope Francis at the recent World…
Improve mental health and join choir – charity A national mental health charity is encouraging people to join a choir, saying it has mental health benefits. Turn2Me said it strengthens a feeling of community, a reduction in stress levels and an improved feeling of social wellbeing. The charity referenced a study titled ‘It’s better together:…
Deacon Greg Kandra August 20, 20th Sunday in Ordinary Time Is 56:1, 6-7 Ps 67:2-3, 5, 6, 8 Rom 11:13-15, 29-32 Mt 15:21-28 At first blush, you can’t help but wonder: what kind of Jesus is this? The Jesus in this Gospel isn’t the comforting figure preaching love and mercy, with a light yoke and an easy…
Dear Editor, I write to express my heartfelt agreement with the sentiment that Fr Edward J. Flanagan should indeed be put on the path to sainthood [The Irish Catholic – August 3, 2023]. His remarkable life and selfless dedication to the welfare of vulnerable children, regardless of their skin colour, resonate as a beacon of…
Israeli President Isaac Herzog denounced the increasing violence against Christians in Israel during a visit August 9 to the Stella Maris Carmelite Monastery in Haifa. President Herzog was accompanied by Israel Police Inspector General Yaakov Shabtai and emphasised Israel’s commitment to the full protection of freedom of religion and worship. He met with patriarchs and…