Pope Leo XIV’s first 100 days show a clear mission of unity, says Fr Barry White Political leaders are often judged by their first 100 days in office. While the papacy is not a political role, the early months of a pontificate offer a valuable moment to pause and reflect. Since his election, Pope Leo…
Each pilgrimage has marked a turning point in my vocation. This Jubilee in Rome, my first as a priest, was no different, says Fr Barry White From July 28 to August 3, I joined thousands of young pilgrims in Rome for the Jubilee of Youth—a festival of faith, fun and friendship. From the vibrant opening…
This year marks the 150th anniversary of Georges Bizet’s opera Carmen, which premiered in Paris in 1875. A scandal at the time, Carmen revolutionised opera—no kings or noble heroines, but instead soldiers, smugglers and bullfighters. Bizet’s heroine, Carmen, is bold, unpredictable, and free-spirited, living by her own rules. She captivates Don José; whose obsessive love…
The resurrection of Peter At the end of The Georgics, Virgil retells the myth of Orpheus and Eurydice—a story of love, loss, and irreversible failure. After Eurydice dies from a snakebite on her wedding day, Orpheus charms the rulers of the underworld with music to win her back. They agree—on one condition: he must not…
I remember exactly where I was on August 15, 2004. Sitting in my grandparents’ house, all I wanted was to watch Match of the Day. Chelsea had played, and I was eager to see the highlights. But there was no football that morning—RTÉ was broadcasting a Mass from Lourdes, celebrated by a very frail Pope…
Discipleship is a journey of trust in Christ’s sacrificial love says, Fr Barry White As a priest, I have the privilege of accompanying the dying, from the bedside to the graveside. Recently, while proclaiming the Gospel of John (11:1-44) at a funeral, a phrase stood out to me: “Come and see”. This phrase appears…
Allow our hearts to be transformed on St Valentine’s day, says Fr Barry White As St Valentine’s Day approaches, February 14 brings to mind red roses, love hearts, chocolates, candlelit dinner for two and couples escaping on weekend city trips. Meanwhile, those of us who are celibate quietly mark the feast of Sts Cyril…