They say that the book you most need to read finds you when you most need to read it. I’ve had that experience many times, most recently with Heather King’s book, Shirt of Flame, A Year with Saint Thérèse of Lisieux.   The title of the book is borrowed from T. S. Eliot’s, Four Quartets,…

In spite of the sometimes overwhelming challenges, it is important for religious to retain joy and confidence, writes Andrew O’Connell I’m writing this week’s Notebook from St Mel’s Cathedral in Longford where a hundred or so religious from across the Diocese of Ardagh and Clonmacnois have gathered for a conference hosted by Bishop Francis Duffy…

“A healthy society is one where different views can be held and the right to hold those views, subject to the common good, is cherished rather than resisted”, writes, Editor Michael Kelly The McArthur family, who run the Ashers Bakery Company in the North, are back in court this week to appeal an earlier finding…

Unfortunately it is the turn of the Catholics to be portrayed as the ‘creepy…smarmy’ baddies, writes Mary Kenny I remember some years ago seeing a cartoon depicting a Native American father and son, both wearing the head-dress of the Navajo (or Sioux) people. They were sitting in front of a cinema showing a movie depicting…

Separating faith from politics, suggests Christianity has nothing to say on social justice, writes David Quinn Many Catholics entirely separate their faith from their politics. It is a very strange move. It’s as if they believe the Gospel has nothing to say about the just ordering of society, which is ultimately what politics is about,…

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…

“Contentment, I think, is a gift and an occasion for gratitude”, writes Mary Kenny What is the secret of happiness? Many books have been written in its pursuit. My Edwardian mother-in-law used to say “disposition”, and this may well be a key. Alexander Pope said as much in his Essay on Man, comparing a rich…

“It is obvious that the electorate is looking for financial relief, after the income falls of the crash years”, writes Dr Martin Mansergh Voting is a civic duty. Under the Constitution, “all powers of government, legislative, executive and judicial, derive, under God, from the people”. They have the right to choose their rulers, in elections,…

Confession must be at the heart of the Year of Mercy, writes David Quinn We are now into the second month of the Year of Mercy begun by Pope Francis before Christmas. It is a Jubilee Year and the Pope has urged Catholics to “live mercy”. To this extent we have been urged to practice…

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…