The monumental decision taken by Pope Francis to visit Iraq in March will no doubt be one for the history books. Although the current pontiff is no stranger to visiting territories plagued by conflict and seemingly perpetual violence, this will be the first time a Pope has ever visited Iraq, a country which is the…

An online exhibition highlighting the histories of the unique and rare collections of the library of Trinity College Dublin is available online and represents 3,000 years of “creativity, memory and knowledge”. The Library of Trinity College Dublin dates back to the establishment of the college in 1592 and is the largest library in Ireland. Its…

Fr Silvester O’Flynn OFM Cap The baptism of Jesus in the River Jordan marks the beginning of the public ministry of Jesus. He came out of the years of hidden life. There was no need for Jesus, being without sin, to participate in the ceremonial washing that John the Baptist offered people. But by submitting…

Dispelling myths and prejudices, Chai Brady hears about young people and their relationship with God Schoolchildren have a “great hunger” to discuss and engage in discussions about God and they must be given this opportunity, according to a retreat facilitator that has worked with multiple schools. Anita Phelan, who has a degree in applied psychology,…

Controversial pundit George Hook talks to Chai Brady about faith, the politics of outrage and advice for modern Ireland Undoubtedly the year 2020 will go down in history, with the extent of the worldwide response to stop the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic unprecedented and severe. For that reason there has been an abundance of…

A productive lockdown leads a Belfast man to carving crosses for Christians, writes Chai Brady Although the start of Jim Deeds’ wood carving journey had a few hiccups – his dog ate one of the first crosses he made – he’s now receiving orders across Ireland and as far away as Malta and the US.…

Today’s world is confusing, the cure is to think less about ourselves and more about others, Rabbi Jonathan Sacks tells Michael Kelly This interview was first published in the March 12 edition of The Irish Catholic. Rabbi Sacks died on November 7, 2020. May his memory be a blessing. Rabbi Jonathan Sacks is one of the…

Famed Welsh chorister Aled Jones speaks to Ruadhán Jones about faith, Christmas and his new album With his features still youthful and boyish, it’s not hard to link Aled Jones as he is today with the fresh-faced 15-year-old who shot to fame for his performance of Walking in the Air. A cover of a song…

Devout defender Joey O’Brien tells Chai Brady about his faith, football and Christmas traditions Christmas is a time for faith and family and in difficult circumstances such as the current coronavirus pandemic the world is facing, God will always be there, according to Shamrock Rovers defender Joey O’Brien. Joey started off playing for Bolton Wanderers…

Traditions offer us a Christmas full of meaning, writes Jason Osborne This year we find ourselves moving thorough an Advent like no other, facing a Christmas like no other. Forced apart by the year’s events, the chances of enjoying the cosiness and warmth – both social and physical – so typical of the season seem…