It is a remarkable thing that arguably the most overtly spiritual director of the 1970s and ‘80s was a product of the decidedly atheist USSR. Andrei Tarkovsky imbued each film with a yearning for spiritual truths, even while cultural authorities policed films for such ‘subversive themes’. Two of Tarkovsky’s films make the Vatican’s 1995 list…
Popular radio host ordained a priest in Derry
Fr Shaun Doherty, a former radio host who gave up his chatshow to give his life to God, was ordained a priest for Derry diocese on July 2. The priest was one of Ireland’s most popular radio hosts, spending 30 years on the airwaves for Donegal’s Highland Radio. Bishop of Derry Donal McKeown ordained Fr…
Thousands take to streets of Dublin for large pro-life rally
This year’s Rally for Life saw thousands gather in Dublin to “hold the Government to account for the spiralling abortion rate”, as the large crowd filled O’Connell Street on Saturday, July 1. A Rally for Life spokesperson called for the three-day wait before abortion to be retained and criticised a Dáil bill seeking to legalise…
No consultation with Mary Immaculate staff who are ‘in the dark’ until November
Mary Immaculate College leadership will not be consulting staff until November 2023 regarding the historic negotiation between Mary Immaculate College (MIC) and University of Limerick (UL) for closer alignment. MIC President Eugene Wall announced in an email that staff won’t be consulted until after the first phase of negotiations conclude in September or October. The…
Synod expert urges caution over irresponsible framing of sexuality discussions
An expert on synodality has urged caution in discussions of sexuality and gender, warning that partisan framing is “irresponsible”, especially where the science is uncertain. There is wisdom in knowing where Church teaching can and must be changed on sexuality, Prof. Massimo Faggioli said at a conference in All Hallows on Saturday, June 24. “On…
Surge in abortions a humanitarian crisis says TD Tóibín
As pro-lifers around the country gear up for Saturday’s Rally for Life, the Department of Health has revealed that 8,156 abortions took place in 2022. Aontú leader Peadar Tóibín lamented the “heart breaking statistic”, calling the surge in the number of abortions “a humanitarian crisis”. “Over 8,000 unborn children in Ireland had their lives ended…
Three formal complaints over Mary Immaculate recruitment process
Three formal complaints have been lodged with Mary Immaculate College (MIC) over the recruitment process for the Head of Theology role, The Irish Catholic has learned. There were “substantive issues” with the process, including the shortlisting for interviews, sources say, with three complainants formally contacting the college through their union. It is unclear under which…
New vocations director for Ossory appointed
Fr Mark Condon has been appointed diocesan vocations director for the Diocese of Ossory, as Bishop Niall Coll released his first clerical appointments. In addition to appointing a vocations director, the bishop of Ossory appointed a new director of ecumenism, Fr Brian Griffin, and vicar general, Fr Daniel Carroll. Meanwhile, three of Bishop Coll’s priests…
Church can’t afford this tardy return to children’s ministries
We should read with concern last week’s National Safeguarding report. Aside from the rise in the number of allegations of abuse reported, the safeguarding body makes two references, small but significant, to children’s ministries. Twice the report states that, while 2022-23 saw the return of some children’s ministry, “in some places, this has been slow”.…
Redemptive suffering rescues a dying man
Christian vision of the good life includes the reality of suffering, making it central to our flourishing; if we want to live a good life, we must follow Christ’s example and take up our cross. Perhaps surprisingly, a film from a culture (Japan) largely unfamiliar with Christianity offers a beautiful example of this truth of…