Last month 400 pilgrims set out from the Diocese of Killaloe on the summer pilgrimage to Lourdes. The group included Bishop Fintan Monahan, eight priests, 52 assisted pilgrims, nursing and hospitality staff, 48 youth helpers, 10 youth leaders, the choir from the parish of Ogonnelloe and one Rose. The Clare Rose of Tralee contestant, Aoife…

A revitalising form of Christian worship is making new ground in Ireland after having been recently approved by the Pontifical Council for the Laity. The Parish Cell System of Evangelisation entails a small community of faith groups, under the guidance of a leader, speaking about God’s role in their life as well as listening and…

In Shannon, Co. Clare, a group of women are working together to produce little dresses with big meaning. The Shannon Angel Sisters create ‘Angel Gowns’ for babies born too soon. At a time when a family finds themselves thrown into the world of neonatal intensive care units (NICU’s), their lives can be turned inside out.…

Emer McGlone My name is Emer McGlone I am 15 years old. I live in Boho, Co. Fermanagh and am a member of Cleenish Parish. I attend Mount Lourdes Grammar school in Enniskillen. Clogher don Óige was launched in 2003 by the Catholic Church in the Diocese of Clogher. Its aim was to inspire young…

“We haven’t been prepared for the success,” says Dr Robert O’Connor, Head of Research in the Irish Cancer Society. “We haven’t prepared for moving into that next phase.” According to Dr O’Connor, more than half of all cancer patients being diagnosed will be cured, depending on their stage and other factors. He says there will…

A champion of social justice, Fr Shay Casey remains devoted to the Christian message of helping those in need. For over 30 years, priest and chaplain in the Athlone Institute of Technology (AIT), Fr Shay has offered guidance, support and more recently food donations for impoverished students. Born in Killashee, Co. Longford where he was…

“Despite the welcome economic improvements of recent times, we remain an unequal nation,” says the new National President of the Society of St Vincent de Paul. Along with overseeing the largest charity in Ireland, Kieran Stafford is a local businessman in Clonmel, Co. Tipperary where he resides with his wife, Mary, and two daughters. One…

If there is one thing we’re not short of in Ireland, it’s water. As well as having over 4,600 miles of coastline, Ireland boasts of numerous lakes and rivers. Over the past few decades watersports have taken off in Ireland. The invention of the wetsuit made much of this possible in our cold climate. It…

I grew up in a Catholic home with my parents, my two younger brothers and my younger sister. For most of my teenage years, my faith didn’t mean anything to me. I thought Mass was very boring and I didn’t see the point in going. I went every Sunday but only to please my parents.…

Colm Fitzpatrick talks to a Kerry priest who’s a part-time magician Fr Ger Godley, a name most fitting for a priest, has sparked the interest of many because of his bewildering magical talents. All starting with a magic set that he received for Christmas when he was a child, the native-born Kerryman has pursued the…