John Reid Independent Senator Rónán Mullen has branded Minister for Skills John Halligan as the Donald Trump of Irish politics, due to intemperate language he has used toward opponents of his latest controversial push to legalise euthanasia. Mr Halligan is planning to introduce a private members’ bill which, if enacted, would make it legal to…
Courtney McGrail
How could Catholics support Hillary Clinton?
Dear Editor, I’ve read with the interest the debate on Catholics voting for Hillary Clinton. I simply cannot understand how any Catholic could vote for her. If she had been elected there would have been a continued escalation of abortion worldwide. Not alone is she in favour of abortion up to, and, at,…
Capturing the moment
Bishop Fintan Monahan of Killaloe takes the opportunity to snap proceedings at Mount St Joseph Abbey, Roscrea, to mark the close of the Jubilee Year of Mercy last Sunday, November 20. Photo: Sean Curtin True Media.
Deputy McGrath slams Labour Party’s Bill
Labour Party leader Brendan Howlin has been accused of seeking to provide political cover “to silence services or advocates that do not support abortion as a solution to a crisis pregnancy”. Independent TD Mattie McGrath spoke in response to the publication of the Health and Social Care Professionals (Amendment) Bill brought forward by Mr Howlin…
Finding God and peace among your peers
Christine Lavin The first time I attended a Youth 2000 retreat, I went alone. I knew no one and I remember tagging along behind a girl who had started chatting to me on the bus. As I dodged between the people shouting greetings and running into hugs I felt my nerves dissolve a little. I…
State facing costly if simple solution
Dear Editor, Various organisations from time to time criticise the management and policies of Church schools, usually Catholic. In many instances they are correct but several things are overlooked not the least being the Constitution. Article 44, for instance, provides that every religious denomination shall have the right to “maintain institutions for religious or charitable…
Pope concludes Jubilee Year with appeal for enduring Mercy
Pope Francis has concluded the Year of Mercy with a call on the Church and faithful to “identify and practise” new works of mercy. In an act mirrored in churches around the world last Sunday, the Pontiff closed the Holy Door at St Peter’s Basilica to officially end the jubilee year, and reminded pilgrims in…
Priest hopes for silver lining after house attack
A Co. Fermanagh priest who has spoken forcefully against Brexit and whose house was attacked on Remembrance Sunday has said he hopes the attack will encourage people to work for peace. Fr Joseph McVeigh told Enniskillen parishioners that while the house had been attacked in the past, he “thought that those days were over”. Lamenting…
Shrill laments welcome ‘political earthquake’ in US
On his Today With Seán O’Rourke show (RTÉ Radio 1) Wednesday morning of last week the presenter described it as a ‘political earthquake’, and words like ‘extraordinary’ and ‘revolution’ were scattered about liberally. A restless sleep Tuesday night of last week saw me checking intermittently on developments in the US election so I could gradually…
Mercy is a Christian duty
Dear Editor, The year of Mercy concludes on November 13 but Mercy as a Christian duty continues life-long. Pope Francis has given a vital practical example of mercy towards refugees. We shall prepare to celebrate Christmas shortly, shall we say “No room at the Inn” to refugees? Many convents and religious houses have just a…