Wedding shows power of ‘spoken word’ to lift spirits
Homilies still have the power to move the hearts and minds of listeners, priests across Ireland have said. Their comments come against the background of international praise for a “passionate” and stirring sermon by a US Episcopalian bishop who spoke last weekend at the royal wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. Commenting on Bishop…
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For richer… and for poorer
Weddings are becoming more expensive and lavish, writes Colm Fitzpatrick   The notion of marriage often evokes thoughts of togetherness, love and family but now more than ever the financial costs of weddings are playing a central role in a couple’s decision to postpone it. Weddings nowadays are notoriously expensive, with couples willing to splash…
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Finding God in the silence
Personal Profile Colm Fitzpatrick speaks with the new Prior of 
Lough Derg   With the summer months of sun and holidays fast approaching, one man is preparing to greet pilgrims from all over the world for a spiritual retreat in a small island in Donegal. Lough Derg, which has been a place of Christian pilgrimage…
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And the winner is?
Colm Fitzpatrick explores whether gambling is worth the risk   Although many people dream of becoming rich overnight, trying to fulfil this fantasy through gambling might be an ironically unlucky decision. Gambling presents itself in many forms in the world today from the weekly lottery player who hopes they can defy all statistical odds, to…
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A wacky and weird experiment for you to try

Children’s Corner   Science experiments are always a great way to learn about the world around you, and make you rethink previously held ideas. Oobleck is a classic experiment that’s perfect for entertaining both parents and kids. We often make a distinction between liquid and solid, but Oobleck is a strange substance in the middle…

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When the student becomes the teacher
Colm Fitzpatrick speaks with a professor passionate about theology   From once caricaturing religion as utter ‘nonsense’, one man is now teaching students about the role and relevance of theology in the world today. Stephen Bullivant, Professor of Theology and the Sociology of Religion in Twickenham’s St Mary’s University, is an award-winning scholar, speaker and…
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Knock is now on Pope’s itinerary

Pope Francis will now visit Knock during his brief visit to Ireland in August, The Irish Catholic understands. Senior Church sources have indicated that a public announcement will be made shortly, raising hopes that there may still be a change of heart that would see a brief visit to the North added to the itinerary.…

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Let laity speak for unborn at Mass – Bishop Farrell
Parishioners play a vital role in informing Mass-goers about Catholic social issues, including the right to life, a bishop has said. Commenting in response to a statement from the Association of Catholic Priests (ACP), which lamented the presence of pro-life speakers at Catholic Masses, Ossory’s bishop Dermot Farrell told RTÉ that there is a tradition…
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Seven bishops speak out for life at weekend Masses
With opinion polls tightening on the repeal of the Eighth Amendment this month, several Church leaders have stepped up their campaign to promote the right to life of the unborn. Over the bank holiday weekend, seven bishops across Ireland issued pastoral statements in a bid to influence more people to vote ‘No’ in the May…
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Are children under too much stress?
Colm Fitzpatrick explores whether exams are putting young people to the test   Exams are part and parcel of student life, but all too often the stress that accompanies them can leave pupils in a state of despair and anxiety. Are students putting too much pressure on themselves, or should they be encouraged to learn…
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