One government minister has his head in his hands listening to a Bishop speaking about Church teaching at a conference, whilst another minister has asked for more money from religious orders as part of the redress for the mother and babies homes. All this against dark days for the Church, not just in this country but worldwide. There’s…
I intend after prayerful reflection to come back to these special days when the Successor of Peter was here amongst us on Irish soil. RDS I was delighted to ramble round the RDS at the World Meeting of Families Conference. There were so many signs of hope and new life. Great warmth, great faith. Perhaps one of…
I grew up in a part of the country where one of the slogans was ‘No Pope here!’ I guess I never thought I would see a day when people in this part of the country would not welcome a Pope onto Irish soil. I think for many of us that’s a tough pill to swallow. I think it is especially difficult if we were…
A few weeks ago, on July 6th to be precise, it was the Feast of St. Maria Goretti. I associate it with summer and I often revisit Maria’s story around this time of year. As I am sure you know she was only twelve when she was brutally raped by a farmhand who was six years older than…
‘I’ve been thinking for a long time about getting a tattoo. I’m not really sure what I want, I mean what kind of a tattoo. To tell you the truth I’m not really sure where I am going to get it, I mean where on my body. I think probably on my chest.’ ‘Well I…
( Women and Men who have helped me on the Pilgrim Path) This week I offer a reflection, noting people who have modeled God’s love for me in the hope that it may help you to prayerfully reflect and identify similar people in your own life. Inevitably such a reflection inspires a prayer of deep gratitude. Joseph, son…
Glendalough: beauty, ancient tradition, vibrant heritage, sacred silence, Holy Spirit whispering… Pro Cathedral: holy space, Palestrina, rhythmic praying people, statues, paintings, ambiance… Incense: rising, wafting filled with childlike faith, rich, lingering, reminding us of God… Gospel Choir: joy, beat, dance, gives God glory, attracts all ages and group, stirring, enlivening…. Religious Orders: rich tapestry of service,…
‘How come God does not listen?’I hear this phrase pretty often. People point out that they have prayed and prayed and to no avail. Oftentimes they are regular Mass goers, if not daily communicants. ‘Not only does he not listen but I do not even feel him close’. The apparent lack of answer to prayer can often lead…
‘And you know Annie they were lovely, so happy and so friendly….and their colors! It really was a nice occasion.’ ‘It sounds great Mags, but tell me what are they so proud of?’ ‘To tell you the truth I never thought of asking them, I was just happy for them being so happy and as they were…
The truth is the Church has apologised on a number of occasions. They have been significant apologies and have indeed been offered by successive pontiffs. Many would find it hard to believe that John Paul II made over a hundred apologies to a whole range of people. The groups that he said sorry to included…