French campsites remain for me the archetypal holiday destination. It’s hard to describe the utter excitement we felt at arriving in France as children. The first time I left Ireland, in the early 1980s, was aboard a ferry which departed from just near my home in Cork. The ferry port was so close that we…
Children’s Corner If you have ever wondered, when strolling through a meadow or forest, how is it humanly possible to know what species of plant and animal live in a certain area, while also being able to scientifically estimate the amount of each – it’s not so difficult. Biologists have studied different areas in…
Each year, I write a column sharing with readers the title and a brief synopsis of the 10 books that touched me most that year. Occasionally, however, I judge a book to be exceptional enough to merit its own column. Robert Ellsberg’s new book, A Living Gospel – Reading God’s Story in Holy Lives, is…
Personal Profile Madison Duddy One of the leading voices in the Irish pro-life movement, Kerry-based Dr Andrew O’Regan, can remember a time when being a ‘pro-life doctor’ was not even considered, because all doctors knew their purpose was to protect life. “‘Pro-life doctor’ was a silly term because surely all doctors are pro-life and…
Picnic time for teddy bears Organised by ADHD Ireland, families are invited to attend their 2019 Teddy Bear’s Picnic in the playground area of Ashtown Castle in the Phoenix Park. There’s plenty of opportunity to meet other families for a fun day out in the sunshine. Organisers say: “Bring along a picnic or purchase from…
Growing up as a Roman Catholic, like the rest of my generation, I was taught a prayer called, The Act of Contrition. Every Catholic back then had to memorise it and say it during or after going to confession. The prayer started this way: “Oh, my God, I am truly sorry for having offended thee…
Mary Jenning If you are not a runner (yet), you may wonder what the attraction is. From the outside running must seem like a very boring hobby indeed. Constantly putting one foot in front of another for minutes and possibly even hours? How is that in any way exciting? But talk to any runner…
Mindful Living Dr Noel Keating We have seen that meditation is a universal practice which has a particular expression and meaning in the Christian tradition. Many who practice meditation have been drawn to do so because of its pragmatic benefits. Indeed, the spread of mindfulness as a secular practice in health and other secular…
Sweet Treats Laura Anderson This is a twist on a classic crumble flavour, that added orange gives it a lovely citrusy kick. Rhubarb is right in season at the moment so now is the best time to enjoy it. Its delicate pink colour makes it a perfect centrepiece for your summer dinner party. If…
I feel a yearning for the wild. I don’t mean I plan to run off and behave badly, I just mean I have a deep desire to go and sit and be in a wild place, listening, noticing and not ‘doing’ anything else. Life has been rather hectic recently. We have just completed our fourth and…
Chai Brady
Fr Ronald Rolheiser
Bairbre Cahill