Schools need to embrace Christian meditation
The Diocese of Elphin has urged Catholic schools to try Christian meditation, noting that the practice appears absent from many schools in the diocese.
In a statement on Facebook, the diocese said there is “a lot of talk about ‘mindfulness’ these days”, adding that it was “strange” that so few people seem to be aware of Christian meditation.
“This would be more appropriate to the ethos of a Catholic school than simple mindfulness. While it is a prayer form, it is perfectly suitable to the needs of children of other faiths, who can chose a mantra which is not specifically Christian,” the statement said.
Ordaining young priests ‘forestalled’ identity development
Psychotherapist Kevin Egan has warned against ordaining priests in their early to mid-twenties, claiming that their personal identity is in the early stages of development.
Mr Egan, a former priest, noted that this was no longer the norm in Ireland, with an increasing number of ‘late vocations’ entering formation.
However, he noted that in the past, ordaining priests at a young age meant the “process of identity development was forestalled as they assumed a ‘ready-made’ priestly identity”.
“For many it was not until mid-life that they began to ask themselves identity questions once again. It is often when it comes to retirement that the failure to integrate in a balanced way one’s personal and professional identity shows itself in stark relief,” Mr Egan said.
“For priests, the judicious use of personal and professional boundaries is key to living creatively the tension between the personal and professional dimension of their lives,” he said.
Transplant recipient ‘invincible’ after climbing summit
A young woman who underwent lung transplant surgery has said she felt “invincible” after climbing to the summit of Croagh Patrick.
Jill McElhinney, who appeared on The Late Late Show with her sister Amy, told the story of how 11 months after undergoing pioneering lung transplant surgery in Dublin’s Mater Hospital, she decided to climb Ireland’s holy mountain in memory of her donor.
“I can say I was partly dragged up it, partly moaned up it, but when I got to the top I felt invincible,” she said.