The power tech corporations wield over expression ought to inspire debate, writes Jason Osborne The beginning of 2021 has seen a number of unprecedented events: the storming of the US capitol, and the banning of then-US president Donald Trump from all social media platforms, such as Twitter, Facebook, Snapchat, Instagram and TikTok foremost among them.…
Our physical isolation is no excuse for failing to grow in faith, writes Jason Osborne With the latest announcement from the Government confirming total lockdown until at least March 5 it is finally setting in, at least for me, that we’re not getting back to normal any time soon. That fact probably evokes a range of emotions…
Simon Coveney has said that the Government will be bringing the findings of the mother and baby homes report to the attention of the Holy See. Responding to an enquiry submitted by Social Democrats TD Holly Cairns, which saw Ms Cairns asking for the minister’s views on whether the final report of the Mother and Baby…
The incoming Archbishop of Dublin has warned that the current push to legalise euthanasia sends a message that some lives are less valuable than others. Archbishop-elect Dermot Farrell also said that what he described as a “vulnerable class” of people are going to suffer if the bill were to come into law. He called on…
Veteran exorcist Fr Pat Collins has warned that the ‘Evil One’ may be exploiting a lack of faith to bring about a surge of fear and anxiety during the pandemic. This comes on the back of recent research which shows that Irish people are amongst the most afraid of contracting Covid-19 in Europe, alongside respondents…
NFL quarterback Philip Rivers is set to begin the next stage of his career as the head football coach at St Michael Catholic High School in Fairhope, Alabama. The former Indianapolis Colts star announced his retirement on January 20, the feast day of St Sebastian, the patron saint of athletes. “Every year, January 20 is…
Writing letters, stories or poetry are widely unpractised skills with transformative potential writes Jason Osborne Last week I wrote about chess as a fun and potentially endless way to while away lockdown during these dark and dreary days. For those that didn’t appeal to, there’s another activity to consider as a coping mechanism during these…
After President Joe Biden on his first day in office revoked a travel ban from certain Muslim-majority and African countries, leading US bishops praised the move. “We welcome yesterday’s Proclamation, which will help ensure that those fleeing persecution and seeking refuge or seeking to reunify with family in the United States will not be turned…
Senator Rónán Mullen has proposed a national voluntary collection be organised which would allow individuals and families to contribute to a redress package for pregnant women and children who spent time in mother and baby or county homes. Speaking in the Seanad this week about the Report, Senator Mullen said Judge Murphy’s report painted “a…
The MyFaith programme for sacramental preparation has gone from strength to strength despite the lockdown, Dr Dermot Ryan of Ossory Diocese told The Irish Catholic. MyFaith is a programme of sacramental preparation which aims to allow children to work towards the celebration of the sacraments alongside their parents, with the support of their parishes. It’s…