A Dominican priest accused of preaching a “vitriolic” sermon against gay people has apologised for any “pain and upset” he may have caused. Fr Terence Crotty, OP of St Saviour’s Dominican Priory in Dublin admitted he “deeply regrets” that a homily in which he described gay people as “intrinsically disordered” had caused “pain and upset”.…
Cathal Barry
Tax system ‘contributing to marriage breakdown’
Govt accused of ‘systematically’ attacking family
Papal blessing for TV’s Dec on wedding day
Pope Francis has given his seal of approval to Declan Donnelly’s marriage to agent Ali Astal. Declan, who is one half of TV duo ‘Ant and Dec’, was presented with a special framed certificate from Pope Francis at his wedding at the weekend. During the ceremony, the groom’s brother, Fr Dermott Donnelly, presented the couple…
Widow of killed ‘good Samaritan’ sustained by faith
The widow of a man who was killed while trying to be a “good Samaritan” has spoken of how her faith has sustained her. Jane Fitzsimons, whose husband Eamon Cronin was tragically knocked down and killed while trying to break up a fight, revealed it was her strong faith that kept her going. “My faith…
Rose of Tralee “welcomed” by Church despite sexuality
The Rose of Tralee has insisted that she has always felt welcome at Mass despite her homosexuality. Maria Walsh, who won last year’s pageant, said she has “never been turned away” from a Catholic Church and has a “really great relationship” with the parish priest in her hometown of Shrule in Co. Mayo. The 28-year-old,…
The Holy Spirit recalls the mystery of Christ
Christian liturgy not only recalls the salvific events but makes them present, writes Cathal Barry
Golf star thanks God for talent after winning Open championship
Golf star Zach Johnson has credited God for his talent after winning the prestigious British Open this year. Speaking after his win at St Andrews at the 144th British Open, the US golfer said God had “blessed” him with the talent to play the game. “I feel like God gave me the ability to play…
Vulnerable patients deserve dignity – healthcare nun
The head of healthcare at the Conference of Religious Ireland (CORI) has described as “shocking” a report that found vulnerable elderly people were left for more than a month without a shower or a bath in a nursing home run by the HSE. Sr Pat O’Donovan, RSM insisted “there is no situation in Ireland that’s…
Dublin priest tight-lipped on controversial car park plan
The Administrator of a well-known Dublin parish has refused to comment on plans that would see a large green space on the church grounds levelled to make way for a car park. Just weeks after the launch of Pope Francis’ encyclical calling on Catholics to show more care for the environment, Msgr Lorcan O’Brien of…
Improving your skin condition
Looking after your skin is vitally important. Skin is the body’s largest organ and provides a thin, yet highly effective, barrier to billions of health threats that could make you sick. Your skin plays a vital role in your overall health too. It regulates body temperature, stores energy and provides sensation through touch. Neglecting to…