Who was the second Pope?

Questions of Faith All Catholics know that the first Pope was St Peter, but after his martyrdom, who succeeded him? While we’re not entirely sure who followed on from Peter, according to Church tradition, St Linus was the second bishop of Rome who reigned some time between 67-80AD. Multiple sources attest to this, the most…

Why can’t priests get married?

Questions of Faith The topic of married priests is hotly debated in Catholic circles today – the Bible tells us that man must leave his mother and father to be joined to his wife, so why is this injunction not applied to the clergy? It’s important to note that most clerics in the early Church…

A step in the write direction

Journaling can works wonders in improving your life, writes Colm Fitzpatrick   Modern life can be pretty fast-paced; trying to juggle a million different commitments often means that people rarely have the time to sit down and reflect on their day, week or month. However, the opportunity to introspect by analysing your actions and relationships…

Making meaningful new year resolutions

Questions of Faith   The phrase goes: “New year, new me.” The mentality of recognising your weaknesses and setting new goals aimed at improvement is ubiquitous across the western world. Some people decide to hit the gym, others try to jump on the diet train and many of us will attempt to stave off alcohol.…

New Year…New Me

It can be tough sticking to your New Year Resolutions but they are achievable, writes  Colm Fitzpatrick   All of us are guilty now and again of putting something on the long finger; we’ll start that daunting diet next week, clean the car at the end of the month, or look for a new and…

Was Jesus actually born on December 25?

Questions of Faith Every December 25, family and friends come together to relax, exchange gifts and celebrate the year that has just passed. For Christians, this moment in the calendar year is more that just a party, but a time for rejoicing in the birth of Jesus Christ over 2000 years ago. The Church teaches…

What to do about the winter blues?

Winter can put many of us into a state of despair, writes Colm Fitzpatrick   Many people look forward to the winter season where you can build snowmen, drink hot chocolate by the fire and cosy up with a Christmas movie. However, this idyllic image of these icy months isn’t shared by everyone – most…