Mindful Living We have been exploring the John Main prayer which many people recite before their daily meditation. The prayer begins: Heavenly Father, open our hearts to the silent presence of the Spirit of your Son. In this article, I’d like to reflect on the phrase ‘to the silent presence of the Spirit of your…
I have just spent a very interesting afternoon with a very diverse group of people, over 350 of them! Amongst the countries represented in our group are Kenya, Peru, USA, Uganda, India, Australia, Nigeria, Philippines, Burundi, Vietnam, Pakistan, Britain, Nicaragua and Ireland! We are doing online training as Laudato Si’ Animators with the Global Catholic…
Personal Profile Fr John Bracken is the parish priest of Holy Cross Church, Dundrum, but much of his ministry is devoted to helping people look beyond his office, and that of the other clergy. “It’s one of my great annoyances, that people “see” the priest. I mean, obviously there’s a difference, but there’s not a…
Sweet Treats This week’s sweet treat is a timeless classic – its bright yellow colour makes it the perfect centrepiece for your table. If you’re tight on time the pastry can be made in advance and kept in the fridge for up to three days. Ingredients For the pastry: 180g plain flour 55g icing sugar…
…by far and away, the biggest addiction in the whole world The ancient Greeks had gods and goddesses for everything, including a goddess of Shame called Aidos. Shame for them meant much more than it normally means to us. In their mind, shame brought with it modesty, respect and a certain needed reticence before things…
Time to go and play with Lego Not many people haven’t heard of Lego, and with good reason! The age-old toy that never seems to go out of fashion will be centre stage at a family fun event in Galway next month. ‘LimBrick City’ will bring their Brick Expo on tour and visit Galway on…
A sense of normality is important to settle children into the school routine writes Ruadhán Jones The balancing act of home-schooling and working will finally come to an end for many as children are set to return to school in September. Unsurprisingly, parents are very keen for their kids to get back to a semblance…
Personal Profile “Sic parvis magna” is a Latin phrase attributed to Sir Francis Drake, the English sea captain of the 16th century. It’s often translated as, “from humble origins to great challenges”. This quote applies neatly to those pursuits and endeavours which seek to further the message of the gospel in today’s world. No one…
A Parent’s Perspective Reading about the death of John Hume, Nobel Peace Prize winner and prominent Northern Irish politician, what stood out was his persistence and unshakeable commitment. Many commentators have mentioned his courage, charisma and kindness and how he spoke out for what he knew to be right. He was a firm believer in…
There’s something wonderfully retro about the summer holidays of 2020. Irish people are holidaying in Ireland again – just like they did in the old days, before foreign holidays became de rigeur. The byways of West Cork and Kerry are again filled with Irish registration plates. Some come all the way from places as exotic…
Bairbre Cahill
Ruadhán Jones
Fr Ronald Rolheiser
Maria Byrne