There is now a deep hunger for a political party which truly represents ordinary Irish people. The Rural Independents are about to embrace urban Ireland and launch a new national political party with that very aim in mind. It could yet prove remarkably popular. After all, voters who hold to Ireland’s traditional values and way…
Any serious and honest assessment must contend with the profound ethical costs that are involved in new genetic technologies, writes David Mullins Very many of the debates we have regarding the application of genetic technologies to embryonic human life revolve around conflicts between potential and promise, perils and pitfalls. A recent case in point can…
Aontú leader Peadar Tóibín has criticised as “reckless” Government inaction when it comes to protecting children from often-violent pornography. This comes following the publication of a study earlier this week showing the link between children watching pornography and sexual violence. Speaking on the issue, the Meath West TD said that pornography is “distorting children’s understanding…
A new film from EWTN Ireland telling the story of a Catholic priest in hiding during the 16th and 17th centuries has received a blessing from Pope Francis. The film, Faith of Our Fathers, was shown at the Pontifical University of the Holy Cross in Rome earlier this month and was well received by viewers…
Lisa Hendey Lately I note a trend on social media, among my peers of a certain age. Amid the cute grandbaby pictures at Christmas there were pleas for intercessory prayer for their aging parents. Going home for the holidays can be a real wakeup call as we realise that – seemingly overnight – our…
The Pope’s new ambassador in Dublin has presented his credentials to President Michael D. Higgins. Archbishop Luis Mariano Montemayor, the new Apostolic Nuncio, presented the documents appointing him to the role at a ceremony at Áras an Uachtaráin on Thursday. The prelate was accompanied to and from Áras an Uachtaráin by an Escort of Honour…
Judith Sudilovsky Faith leaders and activists for coexistence from across Israel gathered in prayer in front of the walls of the Old City of Jerusalem May 10, in a week that once again saw yet another increase in violence between Israel and the Palestinians. The prayer march came after the May 2 death in prison…
Frank Litton War By Other Means: The Pacifists of the Greatest Generation Who Revolutionised Resistance, by Daniel Akst (Brooklyn / London: Melville House, $28.99 / £22.94 / €28.00) Paul Ricoeur, the French philosopher, observed that the state can be – has been – a source of great evil. Writing in the aftermath of…
After hundreds of public prayers for peace in Ukraine and 443 days after Russia launched an all-out war on the Eastern European country, Pope Francis welcomed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to the Vatican. The topics of the conversation May 13 included “the humanitarian and political situation in Ukraine caused by the ongoing war”, the Vatican…
Jem Sullivan The Sunday Gospel May 21, 2023 The Ascension of the Lord Acts: 1:1-11 Ps 47:2-3,6-7, 8-9 Eph 1:17-23 Mt 28:16-20 The making of promises is part of special celebrations that mark the days and weeks of spring and the Easter season. As we celebrate graduations, ordinations, weddings, baptisms, and first Communions, we hear…