Posted on 28. Nov, 2007 in Family, Relationships
When clearing out her Mother’s house Mary Kennedy was surprised to find a yellowed copybook containing a collection of quotes that her Mam had written down over the years. Some of them Mary knew; familiar lines her Mam had quoted to the children over the years, others were new to her. The coincidence is that […]
Posted on 28. Nov, 2007 in Cancer, Christmas, Health, Seasons of the Church Year
The topic of cancer has been in the news frequently, with constant reports on greater need for accurate testing and plans for more facilities. However we sometimes forget the personal story, the human face that goes with the disease. Catherine Thronton is one woman who had to deal with breast cancer. She also had the […]
Posted on 28. Nov, 2007 in Christmas, Church Teachings, Seasons of the Church Year
December 8th was traditionally the start of the run up to Christmas – not any more, with Christmas in the shops since Hallow’een – and it also marks the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. Carmelite priest Chris O’Donnell, Associate Professor of Spirituality in the Milltown Institute of Theology and Philosophy in Dublin, explained the significance […]
Posted on 28. Nov, 2007 in Charity, Community, Poverty
In their annual report just launched, V. de P. President, Mairead Bushnell gave a startling account of the time and expenditure of the organisation in 2006. Almost €814,000 was spent every week – throughout the year this amounted to over €42.3 Million! As well as helping with financial problems, some 9,500 volunteers made over 300,000 […]
Posted on 14. Nov, 2007 in Achievement, Church Teachings, Faith and Justice
Salesian priest, Fr. Jim O’Halloran is a native of Callen Co. Kilkenny – a town this year celebrating it’s 8th centenary. Out of an address he gave on this occasion he has published a short book ‘Observe the Rustling Leaves – The Church and the World of the Future’. Eileen Good met him recently and […]
Posted on 14. Nov, 2007 in Church Teachings, Ecology, Faith and Justice
Are you tired of a world of consumerism and hype and wish you could live more simply? Particularly in the run up to Christmas! The Christian message is certainly one of simplicity from its humble beginnings to its emphasis on spiritual rather than material growth. But these days with an overpopulated and over stretched planet, […]
Posted on 14. Nov, 2007 in Advent, Church Teachings, Seasons of the Church Year
The Messenger Publications have just launched a double CD entitled ‘Advent for All’ with reflections, prayers and hymns for each day of Advent. At the start of the CD well-known author and writer Frances Hogan gives a thought provoking introduction to the season of Advent. The CD is available from The Messenger Publications, 37 Lr. […]
Posted on 14. Nov, 2007 in Addiction, Alcohol
The story of Matt Talbot’s struggle with his addiction is similar to the many stories of people today who are trapped by addictions of many kinds. Eileen Good spoke to Fr. Tom Ryan, Parish Priest of Shannon Co. Clare and asked him how a novena dedicated to Matt Talbot got started in the parish.
Posted on 14. Nov, 2007 in Church Teachings, Retreats, Spiritual
Jesuit priest Fr. Paul Andrews recently gave a retreat to 50 priests from the diocese of Kilmore on the subject of personal development. The retreat was held in Knock Co. Mayo and the themes were – Coping with Stress, Coping with Changed Perceptions and On Being a Priest Today. Eileen Good asked Fr. Andrews how […]
Posted on 14. Nov, 2007 in Family, Relationships
All families experience conflict, but dealing with it can be the difference between break-up and break through. Ursula O’Farrell and Sarah McLoughlin work in family therapy. The just recently published a book, “Families in Focus.” The book examined particular case studies, universal to all families. Miriam Gormally asked Ursula and Sarah to explain what their […]