Mary KennyWe hardly need reminding that in Italy, “la Mamma”, is a powerful figure, both in reality, and in symbol, image and metaphor. If you really want to upset an Italian, you insult his mother. The wildest Sicilian bandit has always retained the uttermost respect for “la Mamma”. There is even a civilised Italian tradition that…
Category: Opinion
Change must happen in this country from the ground up
Last Friday we established Ireland’s newest political party, Renua Ireland, because our Republic urgently needs renewal. The old structures of our State have failed us and have lost the confidence of our citizens. They have delivered us recessions, emigration, the arrival of the Troika and have rattled our faith in the political process. It is…
‘Anything goes’ sexual morality is leading to exploitation
David QuinnThe old sexual norms could be cruel but so can the new ones, writes David Quinn
Taking inclusion to the next level
Cathal BarryCathal Barry takes a look at a new key document on inclusivity in Catholic schools
There is no necessary expense for First Holy Communion
Courtney McGrailDear Editor, The celebration of First Holy Communion has not always been as elaborate as it has become in very recent decades. How much of today’s celebration expenses have grown in response to acquiescing to advertising by hotels and restaurants and other agencies? (to whom I attribute no blame, as the choice by parents remains…
Too many people are dying alone
Dear Editor, Sadly in Ireland now it is not uncommon for persons living alone to be found dead for days or longer despite the plethora of community groups etc. Comments can be made “such and such had no family”, which may mean in some cases they had no children – such comments can ease the…
Shocked at Fr Iggy’s intention to vote yes
Dear Editor, I was flabbergasted to read of Fr Iggy O’Donovan’s reported intention to vote yes in regard to the referendum concerning same-sex marriage. I read the article three times to ensure I had not misconstrued the press report! Now, I am not fit to untie Fr Iggy’s shoes – such is his wealth of…
A lesson in long sermons
Dear Editor, In relation to Fr Eugene Kennedy’s letter on boring sermons (IC 26/02/2015): A young priest was replacing an older man, who said to him: “These parishioners are a funny lot. They don’t like long sermons.” So the young priest starts his sermon and after 4/5 minutes a “hallelujah’’ came from the congregation. The young…
Catholic politician: Myth or reality?
Dear Editor, In St Brigid’s church, Belfast, Cardinal Turkson said that the duty of a Catholic politician is to reflect the joy and transforming power of the Gospel. Sadly, as shown by David Quinn’s comment piece (IC 05/03/2015 Nationalist parties are alienating Catholic voters), that is lacking in the nominal Catholics of both Sinn Féin and…
Freedom of speech
Dear Editor, It seems to me that the media could be descripted as ‘hetrophobic’ towards people that disagree, however minutely, with them and the gay agenda. Fair is fair – if they want freedom of speech for themselves, they have to allow the same for others as well. Yours etc., Brid Fitzpatrick, Terenure, Dublin 6W.