I took the road less travelled, and it has made all the difference” (Robert Frost). The road I suggest is less travelled and poses a challenge. I describe in detail that formation, through the weekly celebration of the Paschal Mystery, is by far the best alternative. Formation begins in the encounter with Jesus in the…
Pope Leo’s first Apostolic Exhortation is focused on love for the poor. Not surprisingly the Holy Father signed the document on October 4, 2025, the feast of St Francis of Assisi, and published it on October 9. This letter or document from Pope Leo at the outset of his papacy was much anticipated by Christians…
In December, January and February each year, the Church celebrates the feast days of three female saints who all have something in common. St Lucy’s feast day falls on December 13; St Agnes’ on January 21, and the feast of St Agatha is celebrated on February 5. All three are included in the Roman Canon;…
In recent weeks, Pope Leo XIV has begun a new series of catechesis as part of his Wednesday General Audience in Rome. He has chosen to return to the documents of the Second Vatican Council and to use this catechesis as “a valuable opportunity to rediscover the beauty and the importance of this ecclesial event”…
In week three of his Dei Verbum catechesis, Pope Leo XIV affirms that Sacred Scripture and tradition cannot be independent from one another. Dear brothers and sisters, good morning and welcome! Continuing our reading of the Conciliar Constitution Dei Verbum on Divine Revelation, today we will reflect on the relationship between Sacred Scripture and…
Pope Benedict XV began his papacy in 1914 during the first year of World War One; Pope Pius XII began his papacy in 1939 during the first year of World War Two. Not ideal timing. Pope Leo XIV ushered in his first signature initiative—the Extraordinary Consistory of Cardinals—during the same week as his fellow American,…
On the last Saturday of September 2013, in one of the most extraordinary All-Ireland finals ever played, Clare stormed Croke Park and reclaimed the Liam McCarthy Cup. In a dramatic replay against Cork, teenage sensation Shane O’Donnell delivered a performance for the ages, striking 3–3 from play as the Banner edged a classic, 5-16 to…
In week two of his Dei Verbum catechesis, Pope Leo XIV says we know the Father by entering the Son’s relationship with him, in the Spirit. Dear brothers and sisters, good morning and welcome! We will continue the catechesis on the Dogmatic Constitution Dei Verbum, of Vatican Council II, on divine Revelation. We have seen…
The Dublin archdiocese has been supporting 350 post-primary students in the voluntary schools, community schools and colleges with regard to their faith leadership and their own personal development for the last 13 years. These young students have consistently demanded this type of school programme, with most school places oversubscribed and demand outstripping supply. Animating student…
The blessing of throats on February 3, the Feast of St Blaise, continues to be observed by the faithful in Ireland. It is one of those traditions that you remember from childhood when you went to have your throat blessed on this day each year. St Blaise was a fourth-century Bishop of Sebastea in what…