Fr Ronald RolheiserUnderstanding what it takes to be a true disciple of Jesus
Category: Opinion
Modest but wondrous beginning in Bethlehem
Cathal BarryIt’s every believer’s dream to visit the Holy Land, home to the three great monotheistic religions. It was here that Jesus was born, began his ministry, performed his miracles and ultimately suffered death on a cross. No other single person throughout history has so decisively affected the lives of so many people. Indeed, the events…
Who are the Vatican II ‘slow learners’?
Courtney McGrailDear Editor, Peter Boucher engages in a bout of labelling a hypothesised group of Catholics as “conservative” in his letter (IC 23/10/14). Indeed he pastorally alerts whoever they might be to the possibility of their becoming “stiff necked”. As I am interested in ministering to such a group, perhaps he would outline their typical characteristics…
Rome has done a lot for us Catholics
Dear Editor, “In Monty Python fashion, what has Rome ever done for us ?” asks Sarah Carey (IC 23/10/14). Does she know that she is quoting a blasphemous film? The Life of Brian depicted a trivialisation and mockery of the ministry and crucifixion of Jesus. Rome has done a lot for us Catholics, such as…
Bible stories should be read to young children
Dear Editor, It is certainly uplifting to hear a new campaign in Britain is urging the parents of up to one million young children to read stories from the Bible to their children. What beautiful pictures and stories with which to engrain their impressionable young minds, rather than the dark brainwashing tactics adopted in communist…
Time to know Church rules
Dear Editor, In reply to Sarah Carey’s article ‘Is the Vatican a million miles away from parish life?’ (IC 23/10/14), God and the Church is very merciful, but also just. Everyone has, is and will be welcomed at Mass. However, if any soul is in a state of mortal sin, then that person cannot receive Holy Communion…
Christina Gallagher is right
Dear Editor, I am writing to you about Cathal Barry’s article on Christina Gallagher and the House of Prayer in Achill (IC 30/10/14). You quoted Mick Power, who became involved with the House of Prayer in 1998, describing Ms Gallagher’s alleged divine messages as “appalling” and all about chastisement and the end of the world,…
The bishops need God to enlighten them
Dear Editor, Archbishop Diarmuid Martin’s recent call for the Church to listen to married couples who have failed is a little puzzling. He mentions the high standards expected of them, but God never gave any person a standard without the grace to achieve it. He fails to mention why he has not spoken out on…
Christ’s role in God’s plan of salvation
Cathal Barry examines the Church’s teaching that Jesus’s death freed humanity from sin
Everybody struggles in different ways
All of us struggle, and we struggle in three ways. First, sometimes we struggle simply to maintain ourselves, to stay healthy and stable, to stay normal, not to fall apart, not to have our lives unravel into chaos and depression. It takes real effort just to maintain our ordinary health, stability and happiness. But, even…