A spectacular concert to be held in Knock Basilica this weekend is inspired in large part by Laudato Si’ and is a “human-divine love story” that aims to celebrate the links between God, humanity, and the planet, according to composer Willie Hughes. ‘The Story of Love’, to be performed in the basilica on the evenings…
Courtney McGrail
Shameful treatment of Ardoyne priest
Dear Editor, When I first looked at the front page of my latest edition of The Irish Catholic and saw the photograph of the ‘Ardoyne priest verbally abused during marching protest’, I was at first unmoved by what I incorrectly viewed as an unsurprising example of loyalist bile directed towards Catholic Fr Gary Donegan. How…
The future of Europe imperilled?
Europe in Crisis. Studies Special Issue, Autumn 2016 (Messenger Publications, €10)
Maynooth honour for Mercy Sisters
On October 3, St Patrick’s College Maynooth conferred on Sr Margaret Casey RSM of the Congregation of the Sisters of Mercy an honorary Degree of Doctor of Philosophy in recognition of the immense contribution of the Congregation of the Sisters of Mercy to education and health and for their work in creating a more compassionate…
What future for faith in modern Ireland?
What faith has to offer society is much more important than the challenges being experienced by Catholicism, writes Francis Campbell
PLC optimistic over latest abortion poll
John Reid The Pro-Life Campaign (PLC) has expressed optimism at the findings of an opinion poll published by the Irish Times last week, stating that the sample shows that the clear majority of Irish voters are opposed to abortion on demand. The PLC described the outcome as a “rebuke” to the ‘Repeal’ campaign which is advocating…
News in Brief
Bishop Smith pays tribute to Irish Columbans Bishop Michael Smith of Meath has hailed the courageous witness of the Society of St Columban on the centenary of its founding. Following a special Mass on October 10 at the Columbans’ headquarters at Dalgan Park, Co. Meath, Bishop Smith welcomed moves by the Catholic Church in Korea to promote the beatifications of seven…
The peelers in the local barracks
The Royal Irish Constabulary: A Short History & Genealogical Guide by Jim Herlihy (Four Courts Press, €24.95)
We need plain facts of what constitutes life
Dear Editor, How can we live in a society where a man like Donald Trump is permitted to berate the world with his bigotry, let alone run for presidency of a so-called ‘superpower’? Trump reminds me of the drunk who torments punters down the local, spouting out nonsense and ignorance that nobody wants to hear.…
Blessings from Ireland
A Galway priest presented Pope Francis with a crucifix made from Connemara marble when he met the Pontiff in the Azerbaijan capital Baku, The Irish Catholic has learned. Fr Raymond Flaherty of Headford parish was on pilgrimage with 11 others from the Archdiocese of Tuam to the reputed site of the martyrdom of St Bartholomew…