Category: Opinion

Vatican publishes concerns over German Synodal Way

by AC Wimmer The Vatican November 24 published the full wording of its latest warnings over another schism coming out of Germany, raising fundamental concerns and objections against the Synodal Way. Two leading cardinals delivered their theologically argued reservations in direct meetings with the German bishops last Friday, warning the process “hurts the communion of…

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‘Nasty’ comments about Fr Seán Sheehy

Dear Editor, I refer to the nasty comments made by Tim Hazelwood and his association of rebel priests through the medium of the press, where they are calling on the Bishop of Kerry to ban Fr Seán Sheehy from celebrating Mass and other sacraments for preaching what is essentially Catholic teaching. Fr Hazelwood claimed Fr…

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Who is missing at the synod table?

Editor’s Comment Sr Josephine Enenmo OLA is a missionary sister from Nigeria now living in Dublin. She has shared fascinating reflections on her experiences of the Church in Ireland and the profound feeling of parishioners still remaining strangers to one another, rather than as part of the same community journeying together. “Coming from Nigeria –…

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November truly called me to remember

November humbles me as I witness the outpouring of love and remembrance of parishioners for their dead. During the month, people gather to share prayers at Mass, pray the rosary in cemeteries and to attend remembrance services. I have come to see the remembrance service or remembrance Mass as one of the most important gatherings…

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Why anti-Catholicism seems to be on the rise

The polarising effect of social media has heightened anti-Catholic sentiment, writes David Quinn Is anti-Catholicism a thing, and does it exist in Ireland? The answer to both questions is an emphatic yes. Just as it is possible to be anti-communist or anti-EU or anti-American, it is also possible to be anti-Catholic. How do you know…

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Christian persecution worsens post-Covid

Christians in parts of Asia and Africa are at risk of genocide, writes Ruadhán Jones The latest report on Christian persecution from Aid to the Church in Need makes for grim reading. Persecution and oppression in 75% of the 24 countries surveyed is on the rise. Christians face threats from Islamist terrorism, from state-authoritarianism and…

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Learning from the Fr Sheehy controversy

The Government betrays an alarming lack of the sophistication needed to oversee hate crime legislation, writes Fr Andrew McMahon “Nobody talks about sin anymore” is a comment still heard in parish life in Ireland – though typically from those of advanced years. One senses that the area of sexuality and relationships is uppermost in the…

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Vatican officials seek to hamstring former auditor’s $9.6 million lawsuit

Just a week after the Vatican’s first auditor general and his deputy filed a $9.6 million lawsuit for wrongful dismissal, the Vatican’s legal system has seemingly sought to hamstring the claim by refusing to certify the plaintiffs’ chosen lawyer. Speaking to journalists November 17, Libero Milone, the Vatican’s first auditor general, who appointed in 2015…

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