Posted on 15. Oct, 2015 in Prostitution
Last month, new legislation on sexual offences was passed. It will criminalise people paying for sex, but ensures the person offering sexual services is not guilty of a crime. Minister for Justice Frances Fitzgerald published the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Bill 2015 on Wednesday, September 23rd saying she was committed to addressing “the very real and […]
Posted on 15. Oct, 2015 in Community, Economy
On Tuesday Oct 13th, the Government passed what was probably the most generous budget for many years. However Michelle Murphy from Social Justice Ireland says that while there was something in it for everyone, overall the rich gained more. She added that there the introduction of certain tax cuts for high earners meant a missed […]
Posted on 15. Oct, 2015 in Christian Values, Community
Dutch Jesuit Peter Peelen SJ used his sabbatical to cycle alone from Amsterdam to Istanbul. He never felt alone, however, for he always had a real sense of the presence of Jesus on the carrier of his bike! Here he talks with Pat Coyle about how the journey is just as important as the destination. […]
Posted on 08. Oct, 2015 in Economy, Faith and Justice
Social Justice Ireland is an independent think tank and justice advocacy organisation that provides independent social analysis and effective policy development to create a sustainable future for every member of society. As the budget approaches, they feel that the Government needs to take the opportunity to pass a Budget that will bring a fairer society […]
Posted on 08. Oct, 2015 in Celibacy/Sexuality, Christian Values, Church Teachings, Gospel Values
Dr Riaan van der Merwe from South Africa recently gave an interactive presentation on “A Multimedia Engagement with the Spirituality of Vulnerable Embodiment of Henri Nouwen”. Henri Nouwen teaching on a spirituality of vulnerability has touched a cord with many people all over the world. He had his own inner struggles included trying to reconcile […]
Posted on 08. Oct, 2015 in Celibacy/Sexuality, Church Teachings, Faith and Justice, Gospel Values, Humane Vitae
The first full day of the Ordinary Synod of Bishops on the Family, Monday October 5, was dominated by the introductory address of the synod’s general relator, Cardinal Peter Erdö of Esztergom-Budapest. In his speech Cardinal Erdö reasserted much of the Church’s teaching, and cast doubt on the possibility of changes during the Synod. Cathal […]
Posted on 01. Oct, 2015 in Faith Groups, Human Trafficking, Immigrants, Media, Politics, Pope Francis
Recently Pope Francis created great expectation and excitement on his tour to America. Fr. Michael Collins, author of the book, “Francis; Bishop of Rome” also went to America to be there to witness Pope Francis’ trip as well as promote his recent book, “Pope Francis, A Photographic Portrait of the People’s Pope”. Here he talks […]
Posted on 01. Oct, 2015 in Christian Values, Church Teachings, Feminism/Women in the Church, Humane Vitae
We have recently in the media heard the stories of women who had abortions without any regret, but a story that is less often heard is the story of women who have had abortions and who live with reminders and questions of what if? So says Breda O’Brien, columnist with the Irish Times and teacher […]
Posted on 01. Oct, 2015 in Community, Pilgrimage, Young people
World Youth Day in Poland next summer will take place in Kraków in 2016. Niall Leahy SJ will be there with a group of 30 or so students who will take part in Magis, the Jesuit preparation programme for World Youth Day. He describes it as an experience with 2,000 other young people who will […]
Posted on 24. Sep, 2015 in Christian Values, Church Teachings, Gospel Values
Denis Bradley is a former vice-chairman of the police board for the Police Service of Northern Ireland as well as a former priest. He talks about knowledge and communication in the Church and how the Church needs to understand the emotional as well as the intellectual impact of a message or they risk doing damage […]