The six Irishmen and two of Irish descent whose cause for beatification has gone to Rome Servant of God Fr James McGinn Priest of the Missionary Society of St Columban. Born: November 15, 1911, Butte, Montana, USA. Died: July 4, 1950, Samcheok, Gangwon, South Korea. Fr James ‘Jim’ McGinn was killed in Korea July 4,…
Seven Irish Columbans in Korea were martyred having stayed with their flock, Ruadhán Jones hears When we think of martyrs, our minds tend to reach far back into history. We think of the persecution of the Church under the Roman Empire, right at the beginnings of our faith. Or perhaps, closer to home, we think…
Irish martyr Fr Tommie Cusack’s letters reveal his bravery and humour, writes Ruadhán Jones “I have a boy,” Fr Tommie Cusack’s mother (Delia) begins a letter to Dalgan park, home of the Missionary Society of St Columban, “who is anxious to go to Dalgan park next September.” The letter is dated February 8, 1928, when…
The Sunday Gospel A man in the crowd asked Jesus to plead with his brother over sharing an inheritance. Jesus replied, “my friend, who appointed me your judge, or the arbitrator of your claims?” (Luke 12:13). Jesus heard not only his plea but also the inner voice of a soul too concerned about material possessions. “Watch, and be on…
The creator of popular prayer app Universalis tells Ruadhán Jones about the power of the creed We repeat the creed every week at Mass, but do we understand the full implications of what we’re saying? Martin Kochanski, creator of popular prayer app Universalis, believes that we don’t. Outrageous claims In his new book The Creed…
Cardinal Parolin’s message of peace was welcomed in embattled South Sudan as they await rescheduling of Pope’s visit, writes Chai Brady Despite Pope Francis cancelling his trip to South Sudan earlier this month there was great gratitude that the Vatican’s Secretary of State went in his stead, particularly as the nation battles a severe food…
The Capuchin Day Centre has seen a rise in working families accessing the service, Liam Fitzpatrick learns A man stands at the door to the Capuchin Day Centre in Dublin, welcoming visitors, holding a surgical mask and asking no questions. Inside the Centre, Bro. Kevin Crowley offers smiles and handshakes – and still no questions.…
The Sunday Gospel If you want to know what to believe, study the creed. If you want to know how to behave, study the Sermon on the Mount. And if you want to know how to pray, contemplate the Our Father, today’s Gospel (Luke 11:1-13). The disciples were deeply impressed by the prayerfulness of Jesus.…
Liam Fitzpatrick There is an underbelly of human trafficking that is not being tackled in Ireland, which has led to severe exploitation of adults and children, writes Liam Fitzpatrick Growing up impoverished and abused in East Africa, Amelia hoped overseas work would help her escape her oppressive home. When a local woman offered her a…
Theology is an intimidating area for most Christians but it contains riches to reenergise the Church, Alister McGrath tells Jason Osborne Theology gets a bad rap in many corners of Christendom today. Some think it too difficult, others too obscure, while still more think it to be just plain, old boring. Are these attitudes towards…
Ruadhán Jones
Chai Brady