The leader of the Green Party and Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan, referenced the Church’s synodal process as he paid tribute to late former Taoiseach John Bruton. Speaking in the Dáil last Wednesday, the TD reminisced about Mr Bruton’s life and political legacy, describing him as “a Christian democrat”. “He was a Christian democrat. I…
Survey finds a quarter of six year olds have a smartphone
A recent survey commissioned by CyberSafeKids to coincide with Safer Internet Day, has shockingly revealed that a quarter of six year olds have a smartphone. The 23-page report published by CyberSafeKids on Tuesday, which focusses on topics such as cyberbullying, combatting online grooming, sexting and pornography and gaming, endeavours to offer greater clarity into the…
Faith communities have so much to offer NI politicians says priest
Fr Martin Magill, a priest based in Belfast and member of the 4 Corners Festival, a festival striving to bring all members of the North’s communities together, has said that faith communities of all hues and creeds have so much to offer politics in Northern Ireland but the engagement hasn’t been forthcoming and the opportunities…
Never underestimate role of Faith in addiction recovery says Pioneer priest
Speaking in the build up to Temperence Sunday on Sunday 11, Spiritual Director of the Pioneers Fr Robert McCabe, said that the role of Faith in a person’s recovery from addiction is vital and offers consolation and guidance to those who are seeking long-term sobriety after treatment. “Faith is one of the twelve steps,” he…
Bishop Alan McGuckian of Raphoe appointed Bishop of Down and Connor
Pope Francis has appointed Bishop Alan McGuckian SJ, Bishop of the Diocese of Raphoe, as the new Bishop of the Diocese of Down and Connor. The announcement was made by current Apostolic Administrator of Down and Connor Bishop Donal McKeown during Mass this morning at St Peter’s Cathedral, Belfast. Bishop McGuckian will succeed Bishop Noel…
World is on the brink of the abyss – Pope
Speaking this week of the many conflicts in the world Pope Francis has called for all parties to “immediately stop the bombs and missiles and end hostile attitudes. Everywhere.” The Pope called for a “global ceasefire,” because “we are on the brink of the abyss.” Since the war between Israel and Hamas began there have…
TD: Politicians can learn from ‘mighty’ religious
Aontú TD for Meath-West Peadar Tóibín, has hailed the “enormous work” being done by religious leaders in Ireland – including the work of a 94 year-old nun who was recently awarded an honour for a lifetime of humanitarian work – and insisted that politicians can learn from the actions of the religious at the coalface…
Don Bosco — A legacy to inform the future
Consecrated Life Supplement Interact with most under a certain age without the advantage of perspective and you’re likely to subscribe to the view that the past is a snarling beast, whose remnants continue to lurk our free and tolerant society with a menace that needs to be attentively fended off wherever it’s perceived to be…
Barrister: Religious groups may bear brunt of hate speech bill
Barrister Grace Sullivan has warned that the Government’s proposed hate speech bill could leave religious groups and pro-life advocates open to accusations of hate speech. Ms Sullivan suggested that many won’t fully grasp the far-reaching implications of the bill until it is passed into legislation and enforced in society. Speaking with The Sunday Independent, Ms…
Senator asks Govt why it’s hiding information before referenda
Independent Senator Ronan Mullen has blasted Minister for Equality Roderic O’Gorman and his department for what he perceives is an unwillingness to disclose important information concerning the referenda in advance of it. Senator Mullen asserts that key insights from a wide-range of strands in society have not been released and lawmakers are suffering as a…