Personal profile “You have grenades going over, not knowing where they’re going to land and you have bullets flying – like our house had a number of bullet holes,” says Sr Bridget Lacey, speaking of her personal experience of an attack on a refugee camp where she was working at the time. It was…
Looking to do some DIY in your spare time? Róise McGagh shares some tips for getting started with minimal materials Hanging around the house for such an extended period of time is no easy feat. One of the nice things about these times is that you can finally start to get stuck into that…
Personal Profile “It was a great life to live and as one says I would do it all over again.” Fr Martin Keane set off for Kenya in 1971. He had always wanted to be a missionary. Since he was in national school in his home town of Cranny, Co Clare, he recalls being…
Róise McGagh looks at how gardening can be not only a great hobby, but can have a positive impact on your mindset and mental well-being “If you put a seed in the ground it will do it’s best to grow,” says Jennifer Sleeman, an environmentalist and prominent Catholic convert now in her 90th year. She…
Personal Profile In August 2019 Mary Gannon was asked by her parish priest, Fr Odhran Furlong, to come up to him after Thursday morning Mass. He told her that at 11am on Sunday, Bishop Denis Brennan would be presenting her with the Benemerenti medal. “It was unbelievable really because it was something that I…
Got a curious mind? Róise McGagh looks at the benefits of informal learning and lists ideas to spark some creative experiments at home Many parents are finding it difficult to help their kids to stay occupied and take some interest in their school work since everyone has been sent home. Some kids might not…
Personal Profile “What keeps me going is just a strong faith and belief that this is what Christianity is about,” says Sally Roddy, long-time member and current President of Viatores Christi (VC). She has spent years working on staff and volunteering with VC, the lay missionary group who this year are celebrating their 60th.…
RóiseMcGagh writes about just how important reading is, and how you can encourage your kids to pick up a book Can you recall the smell of that perfectly flat, untouched paper, the cracking of a stiff spine, and the feeling of excitement after reading the blurb of a new book you have been dying…
Personal Profile Fr Gerry and his dog Missy called to Therese O’Donoghue, the Parish Secretary in Booterstown one afternoon in July 2019. “I thought that I knew everything that goes on in the parish,” says Thérèse before that moment. He was holding an official looking envelope and informed her she was to be awarded…
What is socially responsible or ethical investing? Róise McGagh writes how the ordinary person can drive change The environment has been a topic that has really been heating up over the last couple of years. Protecting the planet is a value that many hold dear, including Pope Francis. LaudatoSí’ outlines the importance of the…