De gustibus non est disputandum. That’s a famous line from St Augustine wherein he suggests that taste is subjective and that what one person fancies might not be to another person’s liking. Under that canopy I would like to recommend the following books to you. Among the books that I read in 2013, these 10…
Category: Opinion
We expect accountability from those in authority
Dear Editor, I write in response to Fr Gabriel Daly’s letter published in The Irish Catholic (12/12/2013), where he criticised how Cardinal William Levada described Fr Tony Flannery’s views as heretical, and came heavily down upon what he saw as the aggressive imposition of conservative Catholics’ views upon liberal Catholics. I have no doubt that…
The priesthood is not just a matter of rules
Dear Editor, Fr Gabriel Daly OSA (Letters, 12/12/13) writes about elusion on the grounds of narrow minded and arbitrary rules of Catholics who look for conformity to the rules and regulations imposed by one party in the Church. Then having declared that Cardinal Levada had no right to accuse Fr Flannery of heresy, Fr Daly…
We need more celebrities like Donncha O’Callaghan
Dear Editor, I was delighted to read Cathal Barry’s interview with the impressive Donncha O’Callaghan in the Christmas edition of the paper (19/12/13). It was a joy to read of the pride the Munster rugby player has for his faith and the “inner peace” prayer brings him. I was pleased to read that the fame…
We need to learn from past mistakes
Dear Editor, I would like to point out to Hilda Nelson (Letters IC 19/12/13) that I have always accepted priests who have “paid the price” for their child sexual abuse crimes should be allowed to move on with their lives. Also that any wrongful accusation of priest or lay person is devastating to that individual…
Finding space for the People of God
Pope Francis challenges us to move from old complacency
A remarkable year for the Papacy
Pope Francis faces a daunting task in coming months to bring about some much-needed reforms in the Vatican, writes Michael Kelly
Holy Spirit: Interpreter of Scripture
Cathal Barry examines what the Catechism says about the interpretation of Scripture
Finding a decent alternative to alcohol
Sobriety is fabulous, writes Mary Kenny
The wisdom of an Irish missionary
Missionaries have remarkable motivation and faith

Fr Ronald Rolheiser
Michael Kelly
Cathal Barry
Mary Kenny