Personal Profile Chai Brady discovers more about the new director of the Missionary Society of St Columban Navigating an increasingly secular Ireland continues to be a challenge for the new director of the Missionary Society of St Columban, who says in some ways he’s still adjusting after decades spent in the hyper-Catholic Philippines. Despite…
Chai Brady explores seven ways to make New Year’s resolution a solid reality Don’t give up on your resolutions, especially if they’re for your physical or mental health. That’s the message a professional addiction counsellor wants to expound. It could be as small as forgoing your cheeky weekly chipper, to more insidious habits such…
Schools are increasingly faced with the challenge of understanding how adversity affects children’s growth, writes Bronagh Starrs Several generations ago, the school environment was a compartmentalised space where children carried their books and a simple lunch to each day – and even maybe a clod or two of turf for the fire. The world…
Personal Profile Msgr Liam Kelly is ready to jump into his new role with both feet, writes Colm Fitzpatrick The old phrase ‘one-trick pony’ can be applied to most achievers, but with a background in teaching, farming, woodwork, and football, this equestrian expression could hardly be used of Msgr Liam Kelly. Having been a…
Seasonal sadness can destroy your Christmas holidays, but there are ways to combat it, writes Colm Fitzpatrick The Christmas holidays are a highlight in almost everybody’s calendar, but the season can be tinged with unexpected feelings of unhappiness and loneliness, with these spilling over or bubbling up in January. The ‘Christmas blues’ or ‘post-holiday…
Personal Profile There’s more to our beliefs than meets the eye, writes Colm Fitzpatrick Renowned Doctor of the Church, St Thomas Aquinas once opined: “Beware the man of a single book” – but for Fr Conor McDonough OP, this is a warning that he needs not fear. The 32-year-old Dominican friar who hails from…
Preparing for Christmas can take the stress out of the day, writes Colm Fitzpatrick There are certain facts that you can only learn about by growing older: time is a limited resource; your health is a priority; and of course, Christmas is really stressful. For kids, this festive day is almost other-worldly, where they…
Youth Space Our faith calls us to set the world on fire, writes Blánaid ní Bhraonáin A few weeks ago, a group of young adults from around Ireland joined a pilgrimage to Rome with the theme ‘Our Upward Call’. The trip was organised by the community of Dominican Sisters of St Cecelia. In 2016, four…
Christian hope and resilience go hand in hand, writes Colm Fitzpatrick In a world that is becoming increasingly characterised by conflict, confusion and uncertainty, the ability to adapt well in the face of adversity is a value more prized than ever before. While it’s easy to ignore our own failings or struggles and coil…
Youth Space Dan Pender reflects on the unforgettable impact of the papal visit On a changeable Summer’s day in the Phoenix Park amidst a sea of memorabilia, crucifixes and ‘Lollipopes’ I got to see the Holy Father himself, Pope Francis. Back in April when my classmates and I were asked to volunteer for the…
Chai Brady
Colm Fitzpatrick