The issue of understanding tradition is a major theme at the synod, writes Michael Kelly from Rome The Church must understand Catholic teaching as a “living tradition” rather than legalism, a theological adviser has told the global synod meeting in Rome. Australian Fr Ormond Rush — one of the world’s leading scholars on Vatican II…
Category: Comment & Analysis
Ireland’s ‘progress’ in last 50 years ambiguous
Have we really changed for the better since we joined the EU, writes David Quinn Some 50 years ago, Ireland joined what was then called the European Economic Community and in the time since then, the country has changed almost beyond recognition both materially and socially. To mark the anniversary, the Central Statistics Office has…
Euthanasia turns doctors into ‘agents of death’
Euthanasia undermines foundational principles of Irish life, Bishop Kevin Doran tells Ruadhán Jones Ireland’s political powers are considering legislating to legalise assisted suicide, a move that would have far reaching consequences for Irish life. This comes despite palliative carers and most recently the Royal College of Surgeons Ireland coming out against the practice in a…
In Gaza war, Israel vs Christian leaders may be preview of Israel vs Vatican
Wars, especially in the 21st Century, are fought on multiple levels. Beyond what happens on the battlefield, there’s also the ‘soft power’ contest to claim the high moral ground, and in that sense, one of the emerging fronts in the bloody conflict in Gaza now pits Israel against the Christian leadership of the Holy Land.…
Pope calls Biden amid escalating conflict between Israel and Hamas
Pope Francis issued another public appeal for peace in the Holy Land and throughout the world on Sunday, and made a phone call to United States President Joe Biden to discuss options for ensuring access to humanitarian aid and the release of hostages. Patriarchs and Church leaders in the Holy Land also issued a statement…
Fresh respect for all God’s creatures
Recently we had a gathering of the priests of our diocese. On the final morning, we had a presentation, given by Prof. John Feehan, who may well have retired from UCD more than ten years ago but certainly is living life in its fullest understanding to this day. It was a wonderful and powerful presentation…
No one would publish this famous author’s Catholic book – so he did so himself…
Piers Paul Read is one of Britain’s most distinguished novelists and writers – author of such best-sellers as Alive (the story of the Andes survivors), The Templars, and 17 novels in all, including A Married Man, Monk Dawson, and The Free Frenchman – the last being a riveting account of a French family during the…
The fragile position of the Jewish people in the world
The recent terror attacks in Israel have highlighted ongoing anti-Semitism around the world, writes David Quinn Ireland was one of the few parts of Europe not occupied by the Germans during World War II or that came under the rule of a puppet government, like in Vichy France. This meant we never had to witness…
Priests and priesthood of all the baptised
From November 18-19 this year, St Patrick’s College Maynooth will host a vocations ‘Come and See’ weekend, organised by the National Vocations Office. All of the places available have been booked. While it is important not to get too carried away at this early stage, it is definitely a sign of hope and evidence of…
Goodbye to the Irish pub?
The Irish pub has been a feature of our landscape and society for many a long year. ‘The Brazen Head’ in Dublin’s Merchant’s Quay dates from the year 1198 AD

Michael Kelly

David Quinn
Ruadhán Jones
John L. Allen Jr.


Mary Kenny


