Young pilgrims are the ‘lifeblood’ of an ancient Irish site, writes Colm Fitzpatrick There aren’t many Irish historical events or places that elicit more of a reaction or moment of nostalgia than the Lough Derg pilgrimage; the mere mention of this 5th Century island usually evokes memories of fatigue and hunger, but also respite…
A Dublin councillor has said that Ireland’s blasphemy laws apply to all minority groups, and that Muslims shouldn’t receive “special provisions” that make their religion exempt from criticism. Keith Redmond, an independent councillor for Howth-Malahide told The Irish Catholic that last year’s referendum results shows the “vast majority” of people in the country don’t believe…
Questions of Faith One of the most common reasons people decide to leave the Church is because of the internal corruption that runs to even the upper echelons of the hierarchy. The decision to leave for this particular reason is one that everybody can sympathise with, even the most ardent and devout believers. All too…
A recently commissioned painting of Trinity College graduate Blessed John Sullivan SJ was unveiled in the university yesterday, to mark his beatification. John Sullivan, who was beatified in 2017 in Dublin, grew up in the Church of Ireland, and was a graduate and gold medallist in Classics. While studying Law in London subsequently he became…
It’s time to switch on the lights for youth ministry, writes Colm Fitzpatrick Earlier this month, Archbishop Eamon Martin spoke to thousands of young people from across England and Wales about the power of faith, and the vital role that they play in evangelisation today. Addressing around 10,000 Catholics at the 2019 Flame Conference…
While many Twitter users saw last week’s meeting of American Vice President Mike Pence with Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and his partner as an in-your-face moment for the pro-marriage Christian politician, a Dublin-based priest has said the scene really shows gracious dialogue. Fr Bill Dailey, priest in Dublin’s Newman University Church, criticised Twitter users who were…
The Primate of All-Ireland has asked for prayers and Christian outreach following the tragic deaths of three teenagers in a crowd crush outside the Greenvale Hotel, Co. Tyrone on St Patrick’s night. The three young people have been named as Lauren Bullock (17), a student of St Patrick’s College in Dungannon, and Connor Currie (16)…
Questions of Faith It’s often said by theologians that before the Incarnation, history was pregnant with Christ – that is to say, history itself was waiting for God to enter into humanity. It’s a powerful and almost poetic idea, that the world was preparing and anticipating for this momentous point in time. But was there…
St Pio represents the quiet but courageous mission of Christians across the world, writes Colm Fitzpatrick Oftentimes, religious movies tend to focus on the incredible or miraculous events of an occasion or person, resulting in piety overkill – but one Catholic priest has decided to present the life of a renowned saint in a…
The leader of Ireland’s newest and fastest-growing political party has said he is convinced there is an appetite for a new movement that is both republican and pro-life. Peadar Tóibín – founder of Aontú – told The Irish Catholic that his party envisions a united Ireland which also includes constitutional provisions that protect the unborn.…