“Th’ whole worl’ is in a terrible state o’ chassis”. I wasn’t exactly expecting that immortal line from ‘Captain’ Jack Boyle in Sean O’Casey’s famous play Juno and the Paycock to be intoned with gusto by Alan Abernethy, the 62-year-old Church of Ireland Bishop of Connor, when we spoke at his home in south Belfast.…

The author of Does Religion do More Harm Than Good? talks to Greg Daly In a way, Rupert Shortt admits, the central question posed by his new book Does Religion Do More Harm than Good? Is a ridiculous one. As has been pointed out, he says, religion is an aspect of culture, and it shouldn’t…

Rebuilding a pro-life movement is a real challenge, but a vital one, writes Greg Daly “I’ve decided that one year ago today was the lowest point in our nation’s history,” observed Maria Steen at The Irish Catholic Pro-Life Conference, continuing, “and while we are yet to see the full ramifications of abortion in our country…

From exclusion zones to the pro-life movement in the US, speakers’ messages heartened attendees at The Irish Catholic’s Pro-life Conference over the weekend. Over 100 people were at the conference in Dublin, with several saying they hope Ireland will be influenced by the “growing” pro-life sentiment in the US. Dubliner Con Daly told the paper:…

Spring Legacy 2019 – Last Call to Action Chai Brady discusses how Concern’s legacy donations can save lives   Journeying with people through thick and thin, whether it be a natural disaster, extreme conflict or starvation, Concern are committed to working with beleaguered populations in some of the most “heart-breaking” conditions. Anne O’Mahony, International Programmes…

Spring Legacy 2019 – Last Call to Action Chai Brady speaks to OLH about compassion and end-of-life care   A hospice is not a hospital, it is place someone goes to live out the final phase of their life in peace and comfort with the support of friends, family and expert empathetic staff, says Ireland’s leading…

Jean Vanier’s lessons can continue to inspire us, writes 
Fr Fergal Cunnane   Over the last few weeks there have been many tributes paid to Jean Vanier, from people of faith and conscience throughout the world. But you know the best tribute ever paid to him was from a beggar he encountered one day in…

Fr Tony Coote describes how he was first diagnosed with motor neurone disease   I woke in my house in Mount Merrion, Dublin around 6.30am. I hadn’t had much sleep. I had an appointment that morning in the Beacon hospital. I went to the window; the whole area was covered in snow. Normally on a Wednesday…

Parishes must be like early Christian communities which reach out to help, Colm Fitzpatrick learns   Churches are often referred to as the ‘heart of a community’, but in order for this living, breathing muscle to continue to beat, the parish must sustain and support it. This is no easy task; and requires more than…

There was “great excitement” in a Dublin parish as their long-awaited new altar was dedicated by the Archbishop of Dublin. After decades of using a temporary altar over 300 parishioners gathered for the ceremony in Sallynoggin parish earlier this month. Parish secretary Rachel Higgins said: “There was great excitement in the parish and an overwhelming…