If I were to consult a psychiatrist, or a counsellor, about personal problems in my life, or associated with my family, I would do so with one expectation: that the professional shrink would keep our conversations confidential. Yes, I understand that if I did, or planned to do something seriously illegal – if, to take…
Category: Opinion
Peace must be built on truth, not lies
Murder of police officer highlights failings of the system
Difficulties with the Roman Missal
Dear Editor, The logic with which Fr Fergus Ryan explained the three-part structure of the ‘proper prayers’ in the Roman Missal in The Irish Catholic of June 26 is admirable. However, those of us who are used to the natural rhythm of the English vernacular (i.e. the language of the ‘home-born slave’), find it difficult…
The good done by our religious
Dear Editor, Sarah Carey’s article, ‘Wild exaggerations piled on Tuam story’ (IC 12/6/14) links nicely with David Quinn’s statement in the issue of June ’26: ’There is a willingness to think the worst about Catholic Ireland.” Sarah starts well by pointing out the exaggerations in the reporting of the Tuam story although she implies that…
Coverage of Iraq’s Christians
Dear Editor, One again The Irish Catholic leads the field, this time in keeping attention focused on the plight of Christians in Iraq, ‘World is turning ‘blind eye’ to Iraq’s Christians (IC3/7/14). It never fails to baffle me that the world’s press, in its drive to fill the 24-7 news agenda has not, even from…
Compensating the Magdalen victims
Dear editor, I am writing in response to the article by Cathal Barry titled ‘Govt wants Pope to make Magdalen nuns pay out’ (IC 3/7/14). I agree with Lucinda Creighton that this would be a positive step. It is not enough to make apologies. Those who have been affected by the Magdalen laundries should be…
Respect for Mary McAleese
Dear Editor, I have been privileged to know the former President, Mrs McAleese, since 1995. So I cannot stand idly by and pass unmoved when I see her good name and reputation vilified by your columnist Mary Kenny – ‘Mary Kenny knows how to craft a headline’ (IC 26/6/2014). I would never, ever accuse Mary…
Cowardice on abortion
Dear Editor, Regarding the publication by the Department of Health of the abortion guidelines to accompany the so-called Protection of Life during Pregnancy Act 2013, the Fine Gael/Labour Government have done exactly what some members of the pro-life movement predicted: the Government waited until after the 2014 Local and European Elections before publishing their life-ending…
A Culture of discernment is yielding dividends
I’m writing this week’s Notebook in Birmingham; I’m at St Mary’s seminary at Oscott where the Invocation discernment festival is coming to an end. The annual festival gathers young men and women from all over England and Wales for a weekend of prayer, reflection, workshops and talks on the theme of discernment of vocation. It’s…
Moore’s thinking on anxiety and why we decide to walk alone
Our lives today are awash with anxiety

Mary Kenny
Nuala O’Loan
Colm Fitzpatrick
Fr Ronald Rolheiser