An inside look into the Irish Pontifical College’s year-long formation programme An intriguing opportunity crossed my timeline recently, applications had opened for a year of formation in Rome at the Irish Pontifical College. Oriented toward young people. The list it promised was simple enough. Live in Rome. Study theology. Share life with other young people…
By: Bishop Paul Dempsey, Seán Farrell and Rev. Gary Carville A Land of Promise’ was the powerful theme of this year’s Holy Land Coordination Bishops’ visit. This visit takes place every year to regions of the eastern Mediterranean encompassing Israel, the Palestinian territories and parts of neighbouring countries, revered by Christians, Jews and Muslims…
Brian Cody’s Kilkenny team of the noughties will forever stand among the greatest hurling panels ever assembled. Year after year, line by line, some of the finest players the game has known fought relentlessly for a place in the starting fifteen, in a county overflowing with All-Ireland medals and elite talent. Survival alone was an…
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…