Courtney McGrailDear Editor, It is annoying to see the current attack by politicians on the Junior Cert syllabus constantly being referred to as a “reform”. It is nothing of the sort. I hope the new Dáil will commit to suspend the brainless forcing through of coursework into the Junior Cert curriculum, whether marked by the classroom…
Category: Opinion
Economic systems vs human ethics
Dear Editor, In his address to the Chicago Council on Global Affairs, 2014, President Michael D. Higgins, talking on the shortcomings of the economic theories of our times, had this to say: “The notion that capitalist markets are systems set apart from human ethics, is even shared by many who reject capitalism. “The writings of…
Lack of support for Christians in Holy Land
Dear Editor, Nuala O’Loan referred to the plight of Palestinians in the Holy Land (IC 21/04/2016) pointing out Israel’s policy of ignoring international condemnation of its activities, which include land grabbing and depriving them of the most basic human rights of water and electricity and the blockade of Gaza continues. While international condemnation is forthcoming,…
Congratulations on the Vocations Sunday issue
Dear Editor, I just want to thank you for the lovely issue of The Irish Catholic on Vocations Sunday (IC 14/04/2016). I really enjoyed reading about the different congregations of religious. God bless and keep up your good work. Yours etc., Maureen Breen, Kilrush, Co. Clare.
Church in Ireland needs more people like Sr Clare Crockett
Dear Editor, I was very moved by the description of Sr Clare Crockett by the curate from her Derry parish (IC 21/04/2016), following her tragic death in the earthquake in Equador. She sounded like a very inspirational woman who had an interesting faith story and her parish is rightly proud of her example and witness…
The argument for women deacons in Ireland
Dear Editor, You asked on the front page of The Irish Catholic (21/04/2016): Is it time to consider a female diaconate? In her two-page argument for women deacons in Ireland, Phyllis Zagano stresses that the diaconate is “totally separate from priesthood”. Yet Cathal Barry, in his continuing series on the Catechism of the Catholic Church,…
Thank goodness the census is over
Dear Editor, Thank goodness the census is now over and hopefully I will no longer have to be exposed to the nonsense about whether or not to tick the box for religion on the form. Is that really the most important thing the media can find to discuss at a time of unprecedented homelessness in…
Holy Orders
Cathal Barry
The Church teaches that priests share in the mission that Christ entrusted to the apostles, writes Cathal Barry The Second Vatican Council teaches that the fullness of the sacrament of Holy Orders is conferred by episcopal consecration, that fullness namely which, both in the liturgical tradition of the Church and the language of the Fathers…
What we dream with others can become a reality
Fr Ronald Rolheiser
What we cease to celebrate we will soon cease to cherish. This year marks the 200th anniversary of the founding of the religious congregation to which I belong, The Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate. We have a proud history, 200 years now, of ministering to the poor around the world. This merits celebrating. As a…
Most real Confirmation at St Anne’s
“Everything about that celebration was… a celebration of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, inclusion”, writes Fr Martin Delaney In 2013, when the movie Philomena was released, worldwide attention was focused briefly on Seán Ross Abbey near Roscrea, Co. Tipperary. Seán Ross was the mother and baby home where Philomena Lee had given…