The Church is a convenient scapegoat for Ireland’s historical sins, writes David Quinn Last week I attended a conference at Notre Dame University in the US. Before proceeding to the main topic of this article, a word about Notre Dame itself is in order. When you visit it, one word comes to mind; majestic.…
US laity still have ‘serious partners’ in episcopate, writes Michael W. Higgins Having barely weathered the media fallout of the McCarrick Affair and the Pennsylvania Grand Jury Report with its indictment of some 300 priests over 70 years with a thousand abuse allegations, the American episcopate is bracing itself for a highly scrutinised meeting…
When is our life fulfilled? At what point in our lives do we say: “That’s it! That’s the climax! Nothing I can do from now on will outdo this. I’ve given what I have to give.” When can we say this? After we’ve reached the peak of our physical health and strength? After giving birth…
Dear Editor, Archbishop Eamon Martin’s call for a ‘listening Church’ (IC 1/11/2018) is a brave suggestion, though it’s hard not to feel that there’s a risk that this may be brave in the sense that Sir Humphrey of television’s Yes, Minister might have used the word: who knows what such a proposal might unleash? Back…
This week marks the centenary of the Armistice that eventually brought an end to the Great War (1914-1918). It came into effect at 11 am on November 11, 1918 now famously remembered as the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month. It was one of the deadliest conflicts in human history with…
The Notebook What is a church for? Those buildings we go to Mass in Sunday after Sunday, what is their purpose? Are they for our use, to be disposed of when no longer necessary, or are we their servants, with the perpetual job of keeping them all in perfect trim, come what may? Do…
“Keep the Poet” was a mantra used by some of Michael D. Higgins’ followers in the course of the presidential election. And the country has indeed kept the bard, although not without challenges (which is as it should be). And now that he is elected the steward of the nation for the next seven years,…
If you were a Christian Democrat, how would you have voted in the recent presidential election? To begin with, you might have looked beyond the candidates on offer and looked to the wider political picture. You might have asked yourself, is there some way to register a protest against the way in which the country…
If you are fed up of seeing advertisements for mince pies and other Christmas items in budget German supermarket chains since September, I have a suggestion. Take a stand against commercialism and start planning your Bright Friday event now for November 23. Bright Friday is the brainchild of Martina Lehane Sheehan. She dreamt it up…
I recently had a weird dream. Basically it went like this. Donald Trump changed his mind and at short notice decided he would visit Ireland on his way back from the World War I celebrations in Paris. The Government was all over the place trying to put all the arrangements in place. It was decided…
David Quinn
Fr Ronald Rolheiser
Michael Kelly
Mary Kenny
Breda O'Brien