Gary Gordon has been Bishop of Victoria BC since 2014, having been in Whitehorse diocese (covering the Yukon territory and northern British Columbia) for eight years before that. His golden retriever brought its name Takú from a place in his first diocese. Both dog and owner were touched to hear that ‘ag tacú’ in our Irish language…
Last week I had the privilege of addressing the patrons of Catholic schools in Ireland at a gathering organised by the Association of Patrons and Trustees of Catholic Schools at the Marino Institute of Education. I was acutely aware of the responsibility involved in addressing such a gathering and I was conscious that I was…
The political ground beneath Ireland’s abortion debate is shifting, bringing both risks and opportunities, writes Eilís Mulroy In the short term, given the arithmetic and make-up of the Dáil, there is a real possibility of further setbacks for the pro-life side. Pro-abortion advocates will continue to introduce opportunistic and reckless bills aimed at widening abortion…
In Ireland,surrogacy lobbying seems to be at full speed. No less than three surrogacy promotional events were held here within weeks of the passing of the Health (Assisted Human Reproduction) Act two years ago which legalises both domestic and international surrogacy. Under the Act both couples and single people can apply to the Assisted Human…
The world was shocked by footage of a 48-year-old French sister being randomly attacked by a stranger in Jerusalem, who then returned to kick her on the ground. The attack took place outside the Cenacle, a site sacred to Jews and Christians, as it is believed to be the burial place of King David and…
In the space of just 10 years the number of Catholic weddings taking place in Ireland has fallen by half. If that is not a sign of the times, it’s hard to know what is. But what exactly is it a sign of? Let’s have a look at the facts and figures before trying to…
Bishop Donal McKeown, who is set to retire, has always made a point of walking the streets of Derry to meet the people. It is a town he has come to love. “There is an energy about Derry,” said the Bishop, “and it is a blessing to be part of that. He was appointed Bishop…
I’m usually pleased to see Irish people achieve renown and an international status – from historic figures like Msgr O’Flaherty to contemporary ones like Colm Toibín or even the bumptious Michael O’Leary of Ryanair. But it’s only recently dawned on me that a sensational Irish celebrity brand now enjoying global recognition are – a bunch…
For almost 54 years the families of five people who were shot dead around 10pm on Sunday, July 9, 1972, have fought to establish what happened that day. A short IRA ceasefire had just ended. Soldiers were stationed in Corry’s Timber Yard in Belfast’s Springhill/Westrock area. An inquest a year later returned an open verdict.…
I attended a double book launch in Renehan Hall, Maynooth College, on April 18. The authors were Dr Mette Lebech of the Faculty of Philosophy, Maynooth University, and Dr Robert McNamara of the Faculty of Philosophy, St Patrick’s Pontifical University. When the official proceedings were over, we dispersed to mix and mingle. Having happily paid…
Eilis Mulroy
Breda O'Brien
David Quinn
Martina Purdy
Mary Kenny
Nuala O’Loan