The Church needs to stand up for itself more in the media, for the morale of beleaguered Catholics

“When life is tough, even drab, life as a big shot in the crime world can seem incredibly glamorous”, writes Mary Kenny

“Smaller countries are aware of the difficulties that come from being isolated”, writes Martin Mansergh

Fresh claims about the national seminary raise questions again, writes David Quinn

If seminaries obsess with an ‘ideal’ candidate, there’ll be very few priests in the future, writes Fr Gerard Dunne OP

A recent report on Catholicism may make for grim reading, but should be welcomed, writes Greg Daly

The Church teaches that a bride and groom should prepare themselves for their marriage by receiving the Sacrament of Penance, writes Cathal Barry

The spirituality writer, Tom Stella, tells a story about three monks at prayer in their monastery chapel. The first monk imagines himself being carried up to Heaven by the angels. The second monk imagines himself already in Heaven, chanting God’s praises with the angels and saints. The third monk cannot focus on any holy thoughts…

Fr Martin Delaney reflects on a powerful memory

“No amount of depravation or social exclusion ever justifies the resort to criminality”, writes Editor Michael Kelly