The unrest wracking the Holy Land is mired in history, culture, religion and emotion, but the root causes remain unaddressed, writes Jason Osborne An Irish sister on the ground in the Holy Land has described as “desperate” the current conflict between Israel and Islamic militants in Gaza with little sign of a ceasefire on the…
Chaplaincy work is “slower, but hasn’t stopped,” according to Fr John Kelly of Tallaght University Hospital following the recent cyberattack. The HSE’s IT systems were brought to a standstill last week following a “significant” ransomware attack. “Naturally, patients are anxious, but like the HSE we here in Tallaght University Hospital will be assuring patients that…
The Irish Catholic Spring Legacy 2021 A Last Act of Mercy Covid-19 has made Trócaire’s work more difficult, but Irish donations have ensured they adapt and continue to do it, writes Jason Osborne The pandemic didn’t come at a good time for anyone, but still less for Trócaire. An organisation that is built upon the…
Archbishop of Dublin Dermot Farrell has defended the place of Church teaching on sexuality in Catholic schools, despite a backlash by politicians. Dr Farrell insisted that the new sexuality and relationships resource Flourish affirms the “core of Judeo-Christian religion” and “celebrates life and love”. Dr Farrell was speaking at the annual conference of the Catholic Primary School…
A cardinal has recalled the moment that St John Paul II was shot in St Peter’s Square 40 years on from the attempted assassination. The Polish Pope collapsed into the arms of the then Msgr Stanisław Dziwisz when he was struck by four bullets on May 13, 1981. “Holding the slumping and heavily bleeding Holy…
There was “absolute delight” as people returned to Mass this week, after stark figures revealed that one in four pre-pandemic regular church-goers said that the pandemic-imposed Mass ban has harmed their mental health. A quarter of those polled said the inability to gather for Mass had affected their sense of wellbeing while 61% of respondents…
Gender-neutral bathrooms are the product of a lack of understanding about identity, a Wicklow-based priest has said. This comes as the Department of Education recently announced that gender neutral toilets are an option for schools under new design guidance. In the past few years, a number of secondary schools around the country have sought permission…
Prayer is the one place you can be “as profoundly you as you can be,” TV star Frank Skinner told the BBC’s Songs of Praise recently. The famous comedian, writer, TV presenter and actor spoke of his up-and-down relationship with the Faith but revealed the importance it has in his life at this stage. “I…
A Limerick diocesan report has found that there needs to be a “radical change of mindset” to balance leadership within the Church and “recognise the role of women”. The ‘Role of Women in Church Leadership Working Group Report’ found that “If you went into any parish, any church in the country, you would find that…
Martina Purdy and Elaine Kelly turn from walking to talking with their new podcast, writes Jason Osborne While interest in St Patrick has never died out on this island, it’s certainly enjoying something of a rebirth under the guidance of Martina Purdy and Elaine Kelly. First with their ‘Saint Patrick’s Way’ pilgrimages, now with their…