Catholic comedienne and mother of six Jen Fulwiler speaks to Ruadhán Jones about Catholicism and comedy Militant atheist, computer programmer turned Catholic comedienne and mother of six – Jennifer (Jen) Fulwiler has led a busy life. To say the least, it wasn’t how she expected it to turn out. But now, having just released an…
Author Catherine Pepinster says new persecutions and old saints means martyrs still matter, writes Ruadhán Jones The concept of martyrdom has a rich heritage in the Christian tradition, and an equally impressive list of martyred saints. As Christ gave his life on the Cross for all humanity, martyrs from Roman times to today have lived his call…
Two weeks to go, Ruadhán Jones suggests some treats you can prepare in advance Christmas is a time to celebrate. We have good reason to, for our Saviour is come! While there is a strong ascetic tradition in the Church, there is another which sees the Earth’s bounty as a sign of God’s love. The…
Suicide awareness activist Elber Twomey tells Ruadhán Jones how faith helped her to cope with grief We don’t know how we will react to extreme situations until they happen. Most would be happy never to experience violence or death or personal tragedy. On July 6, 2012, Elber Twomey of Meelin, Co. Cork had to face…
A new report by the All Party Oireachtas Life and Dignity Group (OLDG) highlights a “horrific” lack of pain relief for babies in late-term abortions. Evidence The report, ‘Late-Term Abortion and Foetal Pain – Proposing a Humane Response’, examines scientific evidence from around the world that shows unborn babies feel pain before 20 weeks. The…
The Irish Bishops Conference have called on parishes to support charities as Covid-19 takes a toll on donations. In a statement from the conference, the bishops appealed for people to bring “the hope and joy of Christ’s birth to people who are sick, isolated, lonely or poor”. “A simple act of kindness can make such…
Bishop Paul Dempsey called on Government to recognise the integral role churches play in their communities, saying their work is often overlooked. Heart of society Bishop Dempsey said the Church should be at the heart of society, not at the fringes and it should be “drawn on more from the political sphere”. “I think somehow…
Bishop Paul Dempsey tells Ruadhán Jones about the integral role the Church can play post-Covid Today, religion is often viewed as a “risk factor for division… at worst, as a problem to be solved”, according to a lengthy new report by the Free Church of England. Religious views are seen as divisive barriers to progress…
Aontú leader Peadar Tóibín called restrictions on attendance to funerals “illogical and inhumane” after the Government confirmed only 25 may attend. As part of the decrease in restrictions, public worship is allowed with a max attendance of 50, while funerals remain limited to 25 people. TD Peadar Tóibín told The Irish Catholic that the restrictions…
Ruadhán Jones explains how to protect yourself while shopping online It’s a truism at this point to say that online shopping has skyrocketed during the pandemic. Recently, the closure of non-essential stores, black Friday and Christmas’ imminent arrival have driven sales even higher. Many will be new to the world of online shopping and may be…