Maundy Thursday: Blessing of the Holy Oils

The second Mass, which used formerly to be said on Maundy Thursday, was that of the blessing of the Holy Oils. This holy function, which takes place but once a year, requires a bishop as the consecrator. For now many centuries, this great ceremony is celebrated at the single Mass, which is said, on this […]

Ethiopia: Opposition to Western Pressure to Favor Homosexuality

In a statement published in February 12, 2024, the permanent synod of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church denounced “the influence of Western countries on homosexuality.” It also asked the government not to give in to their pressure, in order to “protect society.”

The Seven Last Words of Christ: Powerful Meditations By Ven. Abp. Fulton Sheen

Why should we meditate on the final words of Jesus from the cross? Caroline Perkins, ChurchPOP As Venerable Fulton J. Sheen explained: “There was never a preacher like the dying Christ. There was never a congregation like that which gathered about the pulpit of the Cross. There was never a sermon like the Seven Last […]

The Prayer of Jesus in the Garden

The Last Supper being over, the discourse finished, and the hymn of thanksgiving said, Jesus leaves the supper-room with his eleven Apostles and enters the Garden of Gethsemane. Consider: 1. Jesus is in the habit of retiring after the fatigues of the day, to pass the night in solitude and prayer. Even on this last […]

Fired for speaking the truth about Covid

Theo McDonald The Covid-19 pandemic left many victims in its wake. The scale of the pathogens’ spread led policy makers to implement some of the most stringent and far-reaching restrictions on everyday life. Individuals were prevented from travelling beyond a certain radius of their home with several thousand businesses and other public venues shuttered or… […]

Success over integrity has become the name of the game in Irish politics

The first person I met in the car park last Wednesday was Michael Healy-Rae. As usual, he had the phone to his ear. “Just a minute, Rónán,” he said, temporarily putting his caller on hold. “I’m hearing there’s a political earthquake about to happen and journalists are being summoned to Government buildings.” “You’re joking,” I… […]