Finding Banni

Posted on 24. Nov, 2016 in Caring for Children, Christian Values, Community, Different abilities, Gospel Values, Humanitarian Aid, Young people

It’s been 30 years since the Chernobyl nuclear disaster – the fallout of which saw many children being abandoned in orphanages all over Belarus. One of those children brought up particular memories for RTE TV presenter Colm Flynn. His family adopted one of the abandoned children, a little boy with special needs. The Flynn family […]

Pregnant in Advent

Posted on 24. Nov, 2016 in Christian Values, Community, Feminism/Women in the Church, Gospel Values, Young people

Wendy Grace, broadcaster and journalist with the Irish Catholic is on her first pregnancy. She says that it is particularly significant for her to be pregnant in the period of Advent, starting Nov 27th.  Drawing parallels with the Christmas story of birth and waiting, she explores how her own life has become centred on waiting. […]

Analysing Trump’s Win

Posted on 24. Nov, 2016 in Achievement, Community, Economy

Brendan Stuanton SJ, has a background in psychoanalytic thought and says that we can use Freudian interpretation to understand where Trump victory comes from. He says that a Freudian interpretation would point to four fundamental concepts: division; the shock of trauma; the reversal; the drive. In particular, he feels that Trump is about reversal, a deep […]

The Volunteer Part 2

Posted on 17. Nov, 2016 in Christian Values, Conflict, Crime, Gospel Values, Prison

This second part of The Volunteer continues by looking at how Shane O’Doherty was arrested and his subsequent life in prison. It explores how he turned from a bomber to someone who publically and privately called for an end to all violence. He talks about the power of prayer and how it sustains him through life […]

Radical and Free

Posted on 17. Nov, 2016 in Celibacy/Sexuality, Christian Values, Church Teachings, Community, Ecology, Nature

Radical and Free: Musings on Religious Life by Brian O’Leary SJ is a book that looks at the values underpinning religious vows. In this interview with Pat Coyle, he says that his musings can be used by religious as well as lay people. Following on from the call of Pope Francis to celebrate the Year of […]

Discerning Trump’s election

Posted on 10. Nov, 2016 in Achievement, Christian Values, Community, Economy

Jesuit theologian Gerry O’Hanlon first reaction to the election of Donald Trump as President of the USA was dismay. Then he began a process of discernment, wondering what was really behind his election. In this interview with Pat Coyle of Irish Jesuit Communications, he says there are a large section of people who feel alienated […]

Award for Fr Shay Cullen

Posted on 10. Nov, 2016 in Achievement, Christian Values, Community, Faith and Justice, Gospel Values, Humane Vitae, Young people

Fr Shay Cullen, a Dublin-born Columban Missionary in the Philippines, received the Hugh O’Flaherty International Humanitarian Award. The ceremony took place on Saturday evening, November 5 at the Killarney Avenue Hotel. Named in memory of Kerry Monsignor Hugh O’Flaherty, who spent much of his youth in Killarney, the award aims to raise awareness of his remarkable […]

Friend of the Poor: Mary Aikenhead

Posted on 10. Nov, 2016 in Charity, Christian Values, Community, Faith and Justice, Feminism/Women in the Church, Vocation, Young people

Friend of the Poor: Mary Aikenhead is a book by Rosaleen Crossan RSC looking at the life of this extraordinary Cork woman who founded The Religious Sisters of Charity. It traces her life and inspiration. Born into incredible wealth and privilege, she decided to abandon all of that and dedicate her life to serving the poor. Last year […]

The Wild Swans at Coole

Posted on 03. Nov, 2016 in Ecology, Poetry

Autumn is a time of change and endings – a movement from the bright lights of summer to the darker days of winter – bringing with it colour and magnificent light. The “Wild Swans at Coole” is a lyrical poem by WB Yeats looking at a changing world where autumn brings out a melancholic reflection […]

An Invitation to Communion

Posted on 27. Oct, 2016 in Christian Values, Church of Ireland, Liturgy

The new Dean of St Patrick’s, the Very Revd Dr William Morton was particularly noted for his cross–community and ecumenical events in his previous role in St Columb’s Cathedral Londonery. He continues to feel that ecumenical issues are very important and that all the Christian churches need to work together. He points to the Eucharist […]