Pilgrims circle a statue of St Patrick, praying before beginning to ascend Croagh Patrick holy mountain during an annual Catholic pilgrimage near Lecanvey, July 29, 2018. Photo: OSV News/Clodagh Kilcoyne, Reuters. For much of Ireland’s history, faith and culture were deeply intertwined. Church buildings stood at the centre of communities, Catholic schools shaped generations, and participation in religious life was often seen as a normal part of Irish identity. Today, however, Ireland finds itself in a very different place. Church attendance has declined, religious practice can…
