A tale of two Simons
Soon after being elected a TD for the first time, Simon Harris wrote the following in the Sunday Independent: “Voltaire once commented that ‘the most important thing in life is to speak your mind’. That’s exactly what I did last week. At a private meeting amongst colleagues, I raised concerns about legislating for abortion in… […]
FF and FG have become ideologically homeless
At John Bruton’s funeral in February, the homilist, Fr Bruce Bradley SJ, spoke of how we live now in a rapidly secularising age. He said that is not all bad, pointing to the growth in confidence, prosperity and diversity that the country has experienced. Nonetheless, something has been lost. Fr Bradley cited Seamus Heaney’s comments… […]
Irish diplomat says Ireland has a special place in Pope Francis’ heart
The Irish Ambassador to the Holy See Frances Collins said that she believes that Pope Francis has a keen appreciation for Ireland, with particular concern for the status of peace on the island while also describing the present relationship Ireland enjoys with the Holy See as “strong”. Commenting on the admiration the current Pope has… […]
Free speech is under threat – Catholics should be very scared
Simply expressing what the Church teaches could be a crime, writes Michael Kelly A shocking new report from Britain published on Monday shows that three quarters of respondents, including teachers, councillors and academics, feel cowed into silence because they are frightened of being attacked for their views. The government report found that there is… […]
No peace for ‘disappeared’ families without truth – Primate
The ongoing “lack of disclosure about murder” is causing heartache for families of Troubles victims including the disappeared, Archbishop Eamon Martin has said. The Primate of All-Ireland spoke out during Palm Sunday’s Mass for the Families of the Disappeared in St Patrick’s Cathedral, Armagh. He called for an investigation and information recovery process which can… […]
Easter hope needed for ‘fearful and anxious’ youth
The Church must do more to reach young people “suffering from anxiety” and “swamped with social media”, according to the Auxiliary Bishop-elect of the Archdiocese of Dublin. The Easter message of Christ’s victory over death is an opportunity to bring his personal message of love to youth despite a “much more secular culture”, Bishop-elect Donal… […]
Dillwyn: Ordinations to Minor Orders and the Subdiaconate – 2024
On the Commemoration of Our Lady of Compassion, which is celebrated on the Friday of Passion Week, Bishop Bernard Fellay gave the four Minor Orders, and the next day, the Saturday of Passion Week, he conferred the Subdiaconate.
In Gaza, Easter Looks Like Gethsemane
Speaking to the Italian media on the eve of the Easter feasts, Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, warns that the situation of Christians in Gaza has become “intolerable,” while the faithful prepare to celebrate the Resurrection of Christ in a daily life that has become a Calvary, according to the testimony of the […]
5 Passion Prayers on Jesus’ Suffering & Death to Prepare Your Heart for the Holy Triduum
How do you prepare your heart for the Holy Triduum? Holy Thursday, Good Friday, and Holy Saturday are some of the holiest and most solemn days of the year. Pope Saint Leo the Great said, “True reverence for the Lord’s passion means fixing the eyes of our heart on Jesus crucified and recognizing in him […]
The Meaning of Holy Thursday: 5 Essential Facts Every Catholic Should Know
On the Thursday of Holy Week, we recall the first Passover meal, also known as The Last Supper. Here are a few more things to keep in mind on this day: Caroline Perkins, ChurchPOP 1) Also called Maundy Thursday. *Maundy also means commandment. On Holy Thursday, Jesus commanded us to love one another, saying: “Love […]