The abortion issue has largely shrunk from the national headlines, but it hasn’t gone away writes Eilís Mulroy   Two years ago this week Article 40.3.3 of the Constitution, or the Eighth Amendment as it was known, was repealed by the Irish people. The referendum result was a cruel blow to unborn children, abolishing their…

The Irish Spirit – Issue No. 3 Silvester O’Flynn OFM Pentecost celebrates the birthday of the Church. Jesus once compared himself to a seed dying in the earth so as to produce multiple grains. In Saint John’s account of the death of Jesus his last words were “It is accomplished.” Job done. Then bowing his…

The Irish Spirit – Issue No. 3 Exclusive Excerpt from Freedom from Evil Spirits by Pat Collins CM   Fighting temptation is a difficult task, but through prayer and fasting we become more adept at resisting Satan and his tricks.   The temptation to sin is a characteristic of every human life. In Genesis we are…

Spring Legacy Supplement Making a difference with a lasting gift   Increasing numbers of people are using their will to leave a legacy that will live long after them writes Aron Hegarty   The current coronavirus crisis has focused attention on the important rituals that surround death and dying in Ireland. As a people, we…

Religious freedom and political freedom are woven from the same cloth writes Ray Kinsella   Reflecting on Ireland’s experience under the cosh of the Covid-19 pandemic there are very real reasons for concern. The scientific evidence justifying authoritarian edicts restricting freedom of movement and of religious practise – enforced by an unsettling show of force…

The Sunday Gospel Fr Silvester O’Flynn OFM Cap.   Some of the doors that have kept people locked in have been opened in recent days, but there is still a long wait until all doors will be opened.  Religion has a huge role to play in sustaining hope by remembering the bigger picture of life.…

Eastertide is the perfect time to contemplate the knowledge that each dawn Christ rises again with us and with us dies each evening, writes John F. Deane I have been and am in lockdown in Leitrim. With my wife Ursula, we are classified as vulnerable. Without WiFi it has been difficult for me to write poetry…

At a time when young people need to see the shallowness of celebrity culture, the Church has found a powerful witness writes Ruadhan Jones   The Church should “look at and recognise that something extraordinary happened” in the life of Derry nun Sr Clare Crockett, according to Fr Stephen Quinn, a Derry-based Carmelite priest, who…

Chai Brady discusses Mater Dei’s findings on the religious feelings of young people North and South   The need for religious education and research on young people’s relationship with religion is more important than ever to dispel myths and understand how they really feel, according to the Director of the Mater Dei Centre for Catholic…