The election of three new councillors for Aontú will give the pro-life party a solid base for the next general election, party leader Peadar Tóibín TD has said. “We’re delighted with the results of the elections,” Mr Tóibín told The Irish Catholic. “In the constituencies we’ve run in, we’ve averaged between 4 and 5% of…
Category: Comment & Analysis
We need our female political chiefs to be good leaders
The Notebook Recently I found myself doing a little research in the area of women in leadership. I come to this topic as someone who has been fortunate to know and experience some extraordinary women leaders in my own life and particularly in ministry. Any group, any society, any church which denies an equal role…
Care for nature means care for unborn: Green theologian
Climate issues are becoming “centre stage” but talk has to be matched with actions, Columban eco-theologian and author Fr Sean McDonagh has said. Fr McDonagh said while he was delighted by gains made by the Green Party in last week’s elections, he expressed disappointment at the party’s support for abortion. “We are turning vegetarian, [thinking]…
A more spiritual treatment of divorce
The streets have been plastered with posters for this week’s divorce referendum, bearing the words: “Help reduce financial distress – vote Yes” and “Help reduce emotional distress – vote Yes”. All advertising is effective, so I daresay this sells its message successfully enough. Though I found myself thinking sceptically that it might be more honest…
I, too, was told to abort my baby. Will Simon Harris now listen after abortion tragedy?
Vicky Wall This week, abortion campaigners are busy celebrating the repeal of the Eighth Amendment, but many people – including many ‘Yes’ voters – are instead appalled at the tragic case that has come to light from the National Maternity Hospital. I’m devastated for the parents at the centre of this horrendous abortion misdiagnosis…
Hope for the future of our priests
The View I had the privilege of accompanying the Catholic Bishops of England and Wales to the Royal English College in Valladolid in Spain two weeks ago. It is a beautiful and fascinating place, founded after the Penal Laws and the persecution of Catholics during the 16th-Century made the training of priests in England impossible.…
No big move by Francis on women deacons
Lack of past practice suggests Pope won’t make profound change, writes David Quinn Pope Francis appears to have poured cold water for the time being on the idea of women deacons, or at least of something equivalent to the male deaconate. The Pope had established a commission in 2016 to examine the issue. It…
Insider’s perspective: The full story of Asia Bibi
Chai Brady speaks to Aid to the Church in Need who helped save Asia Bibi After the celebrated news that persecuted Christian Asia Bibi reached Canada this month after a decade of incarceration and death threats in Pakistan, there was a collective sigh of relief, but also an understanding that there are still many…
Moving beyond familiar political brand names
What would a Catholic vote look like, asks Prof. Ray Kinsella It’s election time all over Europe. In Ireland, as well as elections to the European Parliament, there are local elections. So, here’s the question. Is there – should there be – a Catholic Vote? Should Catholics, in making their decision on how to…
Cardinals rue Amazon priest shortage, but don’t offer solution
Elise Harris Two of the heaviest-hitting cardinals with a hand in organising the upcoming Synod of Bishops on the Amazon have voiced concern about a priest shortage in the region, but shied away from offering concrete proposals for how to fix the problem such as the controversial idea of ordaining viri probati, meaning tested married…