In churches across Ireland, people with disabilities and their families can often feel excluded from community life, particularly when attending Mass. For some, the sensory overload of a typical Mass – with its smells and bells – can be overwhelming. To be clear, this isn’t just an issue for families with children on the spectrum…
Threads of Grace: The sacred art of Sheelagh Duff
At a time when much of contemporary art tends toward transgression, irony, or ambiguity – or with the rise of quick-fire AI generated images. The philosophy of Sheelagh Duff is refreshingly clear – art is made with a purpose. Made for God. Her embroidery encircles and enshrines a variety of sacred images – Our Lady,…
Thousands pack Rally for Life to decry government policy as ‘aborting Ireland’s future’
Thousands marched through the heart of Dublin last Saturday in the annual Rally for Life. Attendees came from all over Ireland and beyond to show their support for mothers, unborn children, and for a renewal of a culture of life. From Parnell Square to Custom House Quay, the people marched with bright red placards with…
Pope appoints Bishop Leahy to Vatican role on interreligious dialogue
Pope Leo has appointed Bishop Brendan Leahy of Limerick to the Vatican’s Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue, a department tasked with fostering relationships between the Catholic Church and other religions. Bishop Leahy, who will continue his role in Limerick, has long been active in this field through the Irish Catholic Bishops’ Conference and his theological writings…
A celebration of life: Rally for Life draws thousands
Thousands gathered to make their voices heard at the 2025 Rally for Life, which took place in Dublin on Saturday, July 5. The streets pulsed with music, chanting, banners and flags as a tide of red signs moved from Parnell Square to Custom House Quay. From a distance, the sea of placards made the entire…
Church ‘needs to offer more clarity’ on when to refuse Communion
The Church needs to offer clearer guidance on when priests should refuse Catholic politicians and others Communion, a leading moral theologian has said. Dr John Murray of Dublin City University was speaking after a priest in the UK refused Communion to Liberal Democrat MP Chris Coghlan, who voted in favour of a bill in the…
Musical priest raises €40,000 for Gaza and Sudan
At 86 years old, Canon Sean Rogan has once again proven that music can move hearts. The retired priest from the parish of Drumbo and Carryduff recently hosted an evening of music and song to raise funds for people affected by the ongoing humanitarian crises in Gaza and Sudan. What began as a modest parish…
The Hopeful Mysteries of the Rosary
The Rosary can help us meditate on the world which awaited Christ, writes Pedro Esteva The first time I encountered the Hopeful Mysteries, my immediate reaction was – can they do that? I was casually browsing Catholic blogs and articles when I stumbled upon this devotion recently approved for public prayer in the Diocese of…
Bro. Kevin Crowley, founder of Capuchin Day Centre, passes away at 90
Bro. Kevin Crowley, known for his work ministering to Dublin’s homeless by founding the Capuchin Day Centre, passed away at the age of 90. His lifelong commitment to the poor made him a beloved figure in Dublin and beyond. Through the Capuchin Day Centre, which he founded in 1969 on Bow Street, he touched the…
Navan man ordained Franciscan priest
Philip McMahon OFM was ordained to the priesthood last Sunday by Bishop Tom Deenihan at St Mary’s Church, Navan, surrounded by family, friars, local clergy, and parishioners. Formerly a Tesco employee in Navan for 12 years, Fr McMahon began to discern he had a vocation during his two years travelling in Australia, where he reconnected…








