The Maronite Archbishop of Damascus has written to Aid to the Church in Need, pleading for help in the face of the deteriorating situation in Syria. In a letter entitled ‘From Anxiety to Hope’, Archbishop Samir Nassar says that it seems that the Syrian crisis is “the cruellest human drama since the Second World War”.…
Courtney McGrail
Syria archbishop calls for help
The Maronite Archbishop of Damascus has written to Aid to the Church in Need, pleading for help in the face of the deteriorating situation in Syria. In a letter entitled ‘From Anxiety to Hope’, Archbishop Samir Nassar says that it seems that the Syrian crisis is “the cruellest human drama since the Second World War”.…
Flying the flag for Francis
Environmental activists hold banners after attending Pope Francis' Angelus in St Peter's Square at the Vatican June 28. Some 1,500 people marched to the Vatican in support of Pope Francis' recent encyclical on the environment. (CNS photo/Paul Haring)
Vatican Round-up
Rome recognises Palestine After 15 years of negotiations, the Holy See has formally recognised the “state of Palestine,” signing a treaty that Rome hopes will help build improved relations between Israel and Palestine. The preamble to the ‘Comprehensive Agreement between the Holy See and the State of Palestine’ recognises the right to self-determination of the…
A fascinating tome on Fenian leaders
Conspirators: A Photographic History of Ireland’s Revolutionary Underground by Shane Kenna (Mercier Press, €14.99) A remarkable rogue’s gallery of revolutionaries, members of the IRB and Fenian movements, some of whom developed into democratic leaders. But it is as well to remember that not all the Fenians were heroes by any means. Money and murder left…
Racy of the soil
Young Ireland and the Writing of Irish History by James Quinn (UCD Press, €30 pb)
The World of Books
Ronsard’s rose garden is a pure delight Stratford-upon-Avon, especially in summer, is one of the world’s most popular tourist attractions: the crowds come not to see the Royal Shakespeare Company at the theatre, but the birth place of Shakespeare and Anne Hathaway’s Cottage. The theatre with its celebrated productions is a truly vital place –…
Appeal made for info on Disappeared
Following the discovery in Co. Meath of what are believed to be the remains of Séamus Wright and Kevin McKee who were abducted and killed by the IRA, former NI police ombudsman Nuala O’Loan has appealed for information on the location of the remaining Disappeared. “The greatest problem is to persuade people to talk because…
Thousands are expected at pro-life rally
Thousands are expected to attend the island’s biggest pro-life event of the year this weekend, with Dublin hosting the All Ireland Rally for Life. Now in its ninth year the rally is alternately hosted between Dublin and Belfast, and the Dublin event in 2013 saw an estimated 60,000 people march through the capital’s main streets.…
Tributes paid to victims in Tunisia
Local bishops have paid tribute to the three Irish people killed by a gunman in Tunisia and offered their prayers and condolences to their families. Bishop Michael Smith of Meath paid tribute to Lorna Carty, a nurse from Robinstown as a woman “known to, and loved by, very many people”. “The brutal circumstances of Lorna’s…