My Anam Cara

Posted on 07. Jun, 2018 in Achievement, Faith and Justice, Relationships

  It’s been ten years since the death of John O’Donohue, former priest, poet, philosopher and best selling author who died suddenly in France in 2008.  Best known for his book Anam Cara, of which his readers said “…he put words on things they have felt”. In this piece from Jan 2008, his friend of over […]

Catholic Economics

Posted on 31. May, 2018 in Christian Values, Economy, Faith and Justice

A recent document was brought out by the Church looking at the role of money and financial investments in society. Titled, ‘Oeconomicae et pecuniariae quaestiones: Considerations for an Ethical Discernment regarding Some Aspects of the Present Economic-Financial System’ it looked at the importance of money serving not ruling. The document goes on to say that profit […]

Reflection on the Referendum

Posted on 31. May, 2018 in Christian Values, Humane Vitae

Gerry O’Hanlon SJ reflects on last week’s referendum and the resounding Yes vote. Addressing the issue of conscience, Dr O’Hanlon says he believes that the Catholics who voted on Friday were thoughtful, intelligent adults  who did not see the choice they faced in black and white terms. They were particularly aware, he added, of the hard […]

By Time is everything Revealed

Posted on 31. May, 2018 in Art, Cancer, Community, Ecology, Health, Medicine, Meditation, Mental Health

As plants everywhere are blooming we remember this interview with author, gardener and broadcaster, Fiann Ó Nualláin. In his book,”By Time is everything Revealed” he looks at mindfulness and spiritual awareness.  Fiann brings old Irish proverbs to life for the current generation. Proverbs stand the test of time because, as they contain timeless wisdom that can […]

Voting with your Conscience

Posted on 24. May, 2018 in Christian Values, Feminism/Women in the Church, Gospel Values, Humane Vitae

The decision on the upcoming reformation on whether to Repeal the Eight Amendment is causing people to examine their conscience. Which is exactly how it should be according to We Are Church Ireland. They believe that people should be free to vote in favour of repealing or retaining the eight amendment to the constitution in […]

Voting with Compassion

Posted on 24. May, 2018 in Christian Values, Humane Vitae

Many people, including practising Catholics, might be motivated by compassion for women in crisis pregnancy situations to vote ‘yes’ in the upcoming abortion referendum. So says moral theologian Dr. John Murray, who lectures in DCU as is also chair of the Iona Institute. He adds that women in difficulties often feature in the media and […]

Would you welcome a Refugee?

Posted on 17. May, 2018 in Christian Values, Community, Discrimination, Faith and Justice, Gospel Values

Would you welcome or help a refugee? was the topic of this year’s winner of the BT Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition in the RDS, Dublin. It also received an award from Trinity College Dublin for “raising awareness of our role as global citizens.” Fifth year students, Thomas Gomes, Donnacha Henchy and Jack Murthagh from Crescent […]

I Will Never Forget You

Posted on 17. May, 2018 in Christian Values, Faith and Justice, Gospel Values, Humane Vitae, Young people

“I will Never Forget You” from Isaiah 49 is sung here by James Kilbane. This beautiful hymn is included his album “The Family Collection”. In it are the lyrics, “Does a mother forget her baby, or a woman, the child within her womb”. A sensitive and timely reminder of the bond that exists between mother […]

A Jesuit with the People

Posted on 10. May, 2018 in Christian Values, Community, Conflict, Death, Faith and Justice, Gospel Values, Vocation

Fr Michael O’Sullivan spent many years of his life in Chile, working with the poor under the turbulent rule of Pinochet. Advocating for a preferential option for the poor, he was vocal in speaking out against the often brutal regime. Michael experienced real threats on his life and he did his best to stay alive […]

Discussing the 8th Amendment

Posted on 10. May, 2018 in Christian Values, Church Teachings, Community, Humane Vitae

Irish philosopher Dr Patrick Riordan SJ recently gave a talk at the Loyola Institute forum at Trinity College Dublin, entitled ‘Living Humanely: Perspectives from Law, Morality and Science’ on 13 April, 2018. In it he discussed the impact the vote on the 8th amendment could have on these areas. Dr Riordan emphasised the philosophy of John […]