Ruling on work ban

Posted on 08. Jun, 2017 in Christian Values, Faith and Justice, Immigrants, Refugees

A Burmese man who spent eight years in direct provision before getting refugee status has won his Supreme Court appeal over laws preventing him working here while still an asylum seeker. The seven judge court unanimously agreed the absolute ban was “in principle” unconstitutional but postponed making any formal orders for six months to allow the […]

End of an Era?

Posted on 01. Jun, 2017 in Christian Values, Community, Health, Humane Vitae

The Sisters of Charity recently announced that they would end any involvement in the new maternity hospital on the grounds of St Vincent’s. Their decision came after much public debate on the issue. While many welcomed the decision, there were others who were more hesitant. John McManus in the Irish Times, wrote that it was never […]

To Grow in Love

Posted on 01. Jun, 2017 in Church Teachings, Community, Death

To Grow in Love – a spirituality of ageing, dying and glory is a book by Brian Grogan. He says that growing in Love is not something we can do on our own but with help is something that we can be especially open to in our later years. It is a time when things of […]

Atheist to Evangelist

Posted on 01. Jun, 2017 in Christian Values, Community, Faith and Justice, Gospel Values, Vocation

Nick Park is executive director of Evangelical Alliance Ireland. He is also pastor of the Solid Rock Church in Drogheda, Co Louth, a congregation comprising worshippers of over 40 nationalities. He believes there is a religious revolution taking place in Ireland, where old Church buildings are being revitalised by the New Irish. He says, “In most […]

Responding to Terrorism

Posted on 25. May, 2017 in Christian Values, Church Teachings, Conflict, Death

The attack in Manchester shocked the world. Many couldn’t believe that a group of mainly young girls and teens would be the target of a terrorist attack. The victims included an eight-year old girl, Saffie Rose Roussos, who was the youngest British person killed in a terror attack. Pat Riordan, an Irish Jesuit living and lecturing […]

Celebrating Holy Wells

Posted on 25. May, 2017 in Christian Values, Climate Change, Community, Ecology, Nature

  National Holy Well Day will take place on June 18th in celebration of the sacred nature of water. On that day, people will gather at a well near them and spend some time in prayer and reflection to reignite an ancient and deep connection with water. Early Celtic Christian had a harmonious relationship with […]

The Pope’s message on communication

Posted on 25. May, 2017 in Christian Values, Church Teachings, Community

The theme chosen by Pope Francis for World Communications Day 2017 is ‘Fear not I am with you (Is 43:5) Communicating Hope & Trust in our Time   In his message the Pope refers to the manner in which technology makes it possible for all of us to share news instantly and spread it widely. […]

20 Million Face Starvation

Posted on 18. May, 2017 in Christian Values, Community, Humanitarian Aid, Natural Disasters

People waiting in line for food in Lodwar Kenya. 20 million face starvation in East Africa. David O’Hare from Trocaire, who has recently returned from Kenya, says the crisis is amongst the worst he has seen in his career. The compounding effects of climate change are making it harder and harder for people to ensure food security. […]

Blessed John Sullivan

Posted on 18. May, 2017 in Christian Values, Church of Ireland, Community, Liturgy, Saints, Young people

The Beatification of John Sullivan SJ drew huge crowds to Gardiner Street Church on Saturday May 13th. In the post communion reflections, Church of Ireland Archbishop Michael Jackson, John D’Ardis SJ and Catholic Archbishop Diarmuid Martin spoke movingly about the life of John Sullivan and what he meant to the people in Ireland. Archbishop Michael Jackson […]

The Seven Rejoices of Mary

Posted on 18. May, 2017 in Christian Values, Community, Festivals, Music, Saints

May is the month of Mary. In celebration of this joyous month, here is Noirin ni Riain singing the Seacht Suailci Na Maighdine Muire, the Seven Rejoices of Mary from her album Vox de Nube with the Monks of Glenstal.