The Oblates are working with vibrant young people from around the world who are attracting Irish youth, Chai Brady hears Ireland’s increasing secularism is making it difficult for people to not only understand the call to priesthood but the overall Christian way of life, according to a Dublin-based Oblate. Hailing from Mexico City, Fr Eduardo…

Walking the byways and valleys where St Patrick first ministered is a unique way to re-discover his greatness, writes Michael Kelly Far from the green beer, parades and novelty costumes, if one wants to get to know the real St Patrick there are few better ways to so do than to travel to where he…

The Holy Land is once again buzzing with pilgrims from all over the world, including many from Ireland, writes Michael Kelly Whether through the eyes of faith or as a tourist, the Holy Land is an unforgettable destination. It is an intoxicating mix of culture, religion, history, architecture, sun-soaked beaches and world-class cuisine. Sunday February…

The Church in Honduras faces many challenges, Bishop Michael Lenihan OFM tells Ruadhán Jones It came as quite a shock to Limerick-born Bishop Michael Lenihan OFM when he got a call from the papal nuncio telling him he would be Honduras’ newest archbishop. “It came out of the blue completely,” he tells me over the…

We are writing the history of women out by ignoring convent buildings, Dr Gillian O’Brien tells Ruadhán Jones Last week, the front page of The Irish Catholic blazoned a tragic tale of decline in the number of women religious in Ireland. We had the figures, but while that story was going to print, another real-life…

British author Paul Kingsnorth has found a home and outlet in both Ireland and the Eastern Orthodox Church for his eco-concern, writes Jason Osborne The wilds of the west of Ireland have become home to English writer, Paul Kingsnorth, in a move that sees him better embody that prophetic voice “crying out in the wilderness”.…

Women religious have often been treated as irrelevant by Irish historians, Dr Bronagh Ann McShane tells Ruadhán Jones Ever since St Brigid founded her monastery in Kildare, women religious have been driving forces in the Church and in society. Through their work in founding hospitals, schools, hospices and through their life of prayer in enclosed…

Sr Miriam James Heidland SOLT tells Jason Osborne about her love of sports and reluctant online ministry Well-known in Ireland for her internet appearances and for her books Loved as I Am, Behold, and Restore, US-based Sr Miriam James Heidland of the Society of Our Lady of the Most Holy Trinity tells me with a laugh that…

An Irish priest continues to deliver education to vulnerable children amidst economic and political collapse, writes Chai Brady Contending with a dysfunctional government and effectively non-existent banking system is a struggle for the average Lebanese person, particularly the poor, but it’s refugee children who are consistently pushed further into marginalisation and poverty. The Lebanese lira…

Plans are underway to develop more permanent hubs for Ukrainian Catholics, Ruadhán Jones hears “I’ve rarely met anyone who has come over [to Ireland] saying this is where we see our life permanently,” Ukrainian Catholic Bishop Kenneth Nowakowski tells me. “Many are really saying, I just want to go home when I can.” It’s almost…