Dear brothers and sisters, good morning and welcome! Since the very beginning of my Pontificate, I have thought about a journey in Africa. I thank the Lord for granting me the opportunity to undertake it, as Shepherd, to meet and encourage the people of God; and also to experience it as a message of peace…
Disengagement and discomfort: what national surveys on education really illuminate Dear Editor, Much has been made of the headline claim that a majority wish to retain the current school ethos. Yet a closer reading of the national survey tells a rather different—and more uncomfortable—story. Within denominational schools themselves, around 40% of parents expressed a preference…
he tone was warm, the delivery assured. But does Archbishop Dermot Farrell’s Knock homily actually offer the Church in Dublin what it needs, or does it dress a crisis in hopeful language while the hard decisions go unmade? The Archbishop’s central consolation — that crisis proves life — is sound as far as it goes.…
The St Vincent de Paul Society has appointed a Co. Derry woman as new Regional President. Anne Irwin, a native of Coleraine, has been a member of SVP for 25 years and “brings a deep understanding of the organisation’s work, alongside a clear vision for its future.” Ms Irwin served as Area President until May…
Celebrating Vocations Sunday on April 22, Chair of the Bishops’ Council for Vocations Bishop Alphonsus Cullinan prayed for vocations to the priesthood while delivering his homily. Reflecting on a recent trip to Medjugorje in which accompanied transition year students, he shared how he was “struck by the beautiful relationship the young people have with their…
Last year, more than 10,000 people from every part of Ireland came to Knock to take part in the 40th All-Ireland Rosary Rally. Many more thousands tuned in online or saw the talks on social media after the event. It was a powerful and prayerful day, bringing hope that the faith in Ireland is in…
Archbishop Dermot Farrell used the Dublin Diocesan Pilgrimage to Knock to deliver a message of hope and renewal, telling thousands of pilgrims that the Church’s current difficulties are not a sign of decline but proof that it is living and breathing. Speaking at the Shrine of Our Lady of Knock on the Feast of St…
Thomas Merton assassination theory reveals “gaps that need to be addressed” says biographer scholar Claims that Trappist monk and writer Thomas Merton was assassinated rather than killed by accidental electrocution in 1968 cannot be substantiated by existing evidence — but unanswered questions about the circumstances of his death remain legitimate and have never been…
‘The New Evangelisation’ in Ireland Dear Editor, I write to comment on Pedro Esteva’s interesting article on new style formation for student priests at Maynooth (The Irish Catholic, April 2). There are many excellent ideas in the article; e.g. that formation should include such topics as parish finances, communication and team building, collaborative leadership and…
Parish priests — not bishops, not the laity — are the critical cohort who will determine whether the synodal vision of Pope Francis takes root in the life of the Church. That was the firm assessment of Prof. Michael W. Higgins, the veteran Canadian Vatican journalist and academic, speaking at All Hallows College, Dublin, at…