“We want to build a sense of identity and mission that allows us to serve others, to bring God’s mercy”, writes Breda O’Brien At the weekend conference focusing on Pope Francis and the family, there was very little emphasis on ‘hot-button’ issues like same-sex marriage. Instead, there was a focus on building a strong sense…

A Vatican cardinal has confirmed that an increasing number of priests turn down appointment as bishop, writes Michael Kelly A joke popular in some clerical circles is to quip that anyone who wants to be a bishop deserves it. But, more often than not, many a true word is spoken in jest. Anyone intimately acquainted…

Christians are closer, but theological obstacles to unity seem to be multiplying, writes Martin Browne OSB The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity is over for another year. I have more than a passing interest in this annual observance. Ecumenical prayer and cooperation have long been an important part of my own spiritual journey. Added…

Cathal Barry examines whether a priest’s character should influence the Mass The Irish are well known for their larger than life personalities and priests from these parts are no exception. The personality of the celebrant is a prominent element in the celebration of the liturgy, especially the Mass, particularly since the Second Vatican Council. To…

Jews in France are leading a new exodus, writes Paul Keenan When one speaks of ‘mass migration’ in Europe, it is a near certainty that the term prompts visions of desperate Syrians moving into the continent via its open southern shores. Yet, today, there is another dramatic wave of migration taking place, less noted, but…

The Church teaches that daily conversion and penance find their source and nourishment in the Eucharist, writes Cathal Barry The Church teaches that Jesus’ call to conversion and penance, like that of the prophets before him, does not aim first at outward works, fasting and mortification, but at the conversion of the heart, interior conversion.…

What is the real root of human loneliness? A flaw within our make-up? Inadequacy and sin?  Or, does Augustine’s famous line, you have made us for yourself, Lord, and our hearts are restless until they rest in you, say it all? Augustine’s adage, for all its merit, is not quite enough. We are infinite souls…

“Alpha fills you with a sense of belonging and changes you through the power of the Holy Spirit”, writes John Quinn I began working with the Presentation Brothers in September 2015, taking up my appointment as their Evangelisation Officer. After four years of working as a youth minister in a busy South-London parish, I was…

Politicians have forgotten about ‘vulnerable fellow citizens’ in the prelude to the Rising Centenary, writes Editor Michael Kelly The Fine Gael-Labour coalition has been at pains to point out that the commemorations of the anniversary of the 1916 Easter Rising should be as inclusive as possible. The State has given grants to unionist communities in…