Cathal BarryThe Church teaches that a bride and groom should prepare themselves for their marriage by receiving the Sacrament of Penance, writes Cathal Barry
The celebration of marriage
Category: Comment & Analysis
Deep things happen under the surface
Fr Ronald Rolheiser
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…
Instruments in the hands of somebody much greater
Fr Martin Delaney reflects on a powerful memory
How the World Meeting of Families might shape up
David QuinnA papal visit to Ireland might overshadow the actual theme of the meeting, writes David Quinn
Priests shouldn’t be afraid to enable and cherish good friendships
Nuala O’LoanI believe that the time will come when celibacy becomes optional, writes Nuala O’Loan
Parallels between Irish and British referenda
Mary Kenny“younger people are nagging and bossing their older parents and relations to vote the ‘progressive’ way, while oldies sometimes keep their doubts to themselves”, writes Mary Kenny
The Church is not a club, but shared faith is really vital
Michael KellyThere are clerics who see no inconsistency in living off the Church while preaching opposition to the Church, writes Editor Michael Kelly
Mass can be unnecessarily hard to find
Courtney McGrail“Ireland – particularly Dublin – is becoming a cold house for Catholics”, writes Kieron Wood
Toughest part of accepting death is full surrender
Accommon soldier dies without fear, yet Jesus died afraid. Iris Murdoch wrote this and that truth can be somewhat disconcerting. Why? If someone dies with deep faith, shouldn’t he or she die within a certain calm and trust drawn from that faith? Wouldn’t the opposite seem more logical, that is, if someone dies without faith…
Marriage in the Church
The Church teaches that marriage between baptised persons is a true sacrament, writes Cathal Barry