As we prepare to celebrate the birth of Christ this year, I’m conscious of all what we have to be grateful for. Many long for what so often we take […]

A woman was Christmas shopping with her two children. After many hours of walking down row after row of toys and after hours of hearing both her children asking for […]

More than 300 people recently attended the funeral of a woman in Carlow, after an appeal on social media by a funeral director who was concerned there would be very […]

It’s wonderful these days to see the brightness of Christmas lights decorating our streets, shops and homes. In the darkest days of the year, we long for the light. A […]

There is a story of six people who froze to death around a campfire on a bitterly cold night. Each had a log of wood they might have contributed to […]

Never underestimate the incredible genius that defines our human spirit. The gift of creativity and vision always brings hope and optimism. Hope is a great gift and an important value […]

A motivational speaker walked confidently around the room holding a glass of water while leading a seminar on stress management. Everyone guessed she was going to ask the ultimate question, […]

In every community, often silently and heroically, are people who voluntarily care for a vulnerable loved one. For me personally, those who care for a vulnerable loved one are truly […]

Time continues to move as we now have entered Winter Time. We begin this Season with Halloween. It’s origins are strongly connected to ancient Celtic roots. In Celtic Ireland, about […]

The Gospel, has a very challenging relationship with economics. Justice, is at the heart of the Gospel message. In growing and vibrant economy those who have, benefit most. The gospel […]

Medjugorje, located in present-day Bosnia and Herzegovina, is where the Virgin Mary has allegedly revealed herself on a regular basis to six local children since the 1980s. The site has […]

Throughout this month of October, the universal Synod of the church continues in Rome. This is a wonderful process, where discernment , reflection and pragmatic evaluations have taken place, regarding […]

This week we begin the month of October. October is the time when leaves fall and darkness begins to be felt, nature produces beautiful colours this time of year. The […]

Currently the relics of Saint Bernadette of Lourdes, are visiting many churches across the Country. Saint Bernadette’s relics will be present in the Carlow Cathedral October 7th and Portlaoise Parish Church, […]

How do you handle adversity? What are you thinking when the sun goes down on those cold, windy nights, when you’re trying to get to sleep, and the wind keeps […]

The recent publication of the Scoping Inquiry into historical sexual abuse in schools, details the horrific trauma inflicted by the abuse of young students. This dark chapter in Irish society […]

There was once a bunch of tiny frogs, who arranged a running competition. The goal was to reach the top of a very high tower. A big crowd gathered around […]

It is not God, but our false images of God we need to challenge ourselves about. God is not a puppeteer who is pulling the strings on everything that happens […]

This September a relic of blessed Carlo Acutis will be brought to Ireland by 3 Franciscan friars from Assisi where his mortal remains repose. Portlaoise Parish Church is  privileged to […]

Recent violent protests in the United Kingdom regarding racial tensions, displays firsthand the horrible reality of racism and prejudice. We live in turbulent times, where polarisation and extremism are becoming […]

Earlier this summer, Pope Francis, hosted more than a hundred comedians from around the world at the Vatican. The entourage of comedians included some famous names, such as Whoopi Goldberg, […]

Time and seasons come and go, so far 2024 seems to have moved very quickly, it’s hard to believe, this week we begin the month of August. Traditionally August is […]

We live in extraordinary times; our world seems to be coming increasingly polemical. Looking at live news commentary of Donald trump’s attempted assassination seemed almost surreal. Extremism is part and […]

You don’t just wake up one morning, light streaming in from the window, birds fluttering about, and jump from your bed with exuberance declaring “I have a faith!” No, it’s […]

It was a lawyer who asked Jesus in the Gospel, ‘Who is my neighbour?’ He was probably expecting a definition that would determine the limits of his obligations. Did ‘neighbour’ […]

As we begin the month of July, I pray in the brightness of summer all our families will be blessed with health of body and peace of mind. July traditionally […]

In many ways we have become desensitised to the horrors of violence, inequality and human suffering displayed on our screens every day. Politics has become increasingly polarised, not just in […]

The recent prime time documentary in relation to horrendous treatment of horses was deeply disturbing for many people. Animals and pets are very precious and in the story of creation […]

Thoughts and continued prayers for all students currently sitting state exams. I find it interesting, regarding people’s recurrent dreams, top of the list are exams. Life at times can indeed […]

Carlo Acutis was born May 3, 1991, in London, where his father was working. Just a few months later, he moved with his parents, Andrea Acutis and Antonia Salzano, to […]

Time seems to be flying by. The academic year has  almost come to conclusion in secondary schools and for third level students, a long summer commences. Continued thoughts and prayers […]

In the last years of his life, the great cellist and conductor Pablo Casals suffered greatly from rheumatoid arthritis and emphysema.  At 90, he was badly stooped, his head thrust […]

The recent walk celebrating “Darkness into light” has an important message in all our lives. Whilst “Darkness into light” raises significant funding towards those seeking healing regarding mental health, it […]

The month of May, traditionally is associated with devotion to Mary mother of Jesus. Mary holds such an important role not just in the life of Jesus, but in the […]

After a long period of grey clouds and heavy rainfall, it was such a joy to welcome blue sky and sunshine. I hope that farmers who desperately sought this blessing, […]

We have become accustomed to bad news. Images on our screens of immense burden placed on vulnerable people. The horrendous conflict in the middle-East. Recent flooding in many parts of […]

It is hard to go through a day without feeling negative towards someone who crosses our path. It could be a flippant remark passed in our direction, that we may […]

George Carlin on age 102, offered the following wisdom that is deeply relevant for us all. If you don’t read this to the very end, you have lost a day […]

“’Did you not know what the Holy one can do with dust?’ It’s a line from a poem for Ash Wednesday by Jan Richardson. In it she talks about how […]

Easter 2024 has arrived very early. This is one of the earliest dates possible for Easter. The great St. Laserian, established a particular way of calculating the celebration of Easter […]

Saint Patrick’s feast day, is now a global event. The Irish diaspora, have contributed significantly to the four corners of the world. In this regard, civic buildings and national monuments […]

As I write this article, citizens across this Republic, are voting regarding the proposed amendments to our constitution. One such article, is about removing the title “Mother” as named in […]

What we can see we can achieve. What we can see in the depth of our heart and soul we can materialise in our lives. This seems to be one […]

We can wait no longer. Martin Luther King’s Letter to White Church Leaders In 1960, Martin Luther King was imprisoned after leading a civil rights march. His dream seemed a […]

We live in an instant culture. Perhaps the greatest challenge of our time is to acquire the gift of patience. We don’t do waiting very well. Easter eggs are readily […]

February 11th, the feast of Our Lady of Lourdes and also World day of Prayer for the sick. Behind many hall-doors in our  Parish and throughout the length and breadth […]

The person who has probably done most in the Christian world to promote the idea of concentrating on our breathing as a form of prayer is the Indian Jesuit Tony […]

This week we reach the midpoint of winter, marked by the cross-quarter day of Imbolc. Traditionally, Imbolc begins at sundown on February 1st and continues through February 2nd. Imbolc is […]

Ardal O’ Hanlon, played one of the most famous fictional priests of all time as Father Ted’s lovably dim Dougal McGuire. He was hilarious, but there was always more to […]

As we continue to make early footprints into 2024, already we see signs of brighter evenings and earlier mornings. The small stretch, offers hope, early snowdrops and green shoots awakens […]

I pray that 2024, will be a blessed and healthy one for us all. Every New Year brings with its expectation, uncertainty, hope and a degree of anxiety. 2024, invites […]

An absence of peace is not the only lack the world and indeed all our communities suffer. As pastors, we are aware of many other ills plaguing our people. The […]

https://www.youtube.com/live/PifAdqKBQ50?si=fmi3c9-9l2BeqnNA The post 2023 Christmas Carol Service appeared first on Portlaoise Parish.

I recently heard a funny little story of a mother who complained one day to her own mother that it was getting harder and harder to get her    teen-aged […]

I love visiting the cribs in various churches this time of year. Many of you, have by now placed your crib, in a sacred place at home. Saint Francis of […]

An Irish pub’s Christmas video of a lonely, old man has left people in tears. Viewers were “bawling” after watching the heart-wrenching video for Charlie’s Bar in Enniskillen, Co. Fermanagh, […]

Christmas seems to come earlier every year. Already we are well accustomed to Christmas songs, selection boxes have been on sale in our supermarkets since August!! Yet, the four weeks […]

It’s so easy to feel resentful that others are not as we would want them to be. We want them to change but can be so blind to where change […]

There is story in the Gospel about a leper coming to Jesus on his knees and pleading with him, saying, ‘If you want to, you can cure me’. It was […]

It’s hard to believe that this time, three years ago, we were in the heart of a national lockdown. The second lockdown was harder than the first. Nature seemed so […]

This week we begin the new month of November. Traditionally this is the time of year, in the Christian liturgical calendar, when we remember the souls of the faithful departed. […]

The universal Synod, continues throughout this month of October in Rome. I find it refreshing, following the proceedings, with images of women and men actively engaging and discerning, around round […]

Recently, I enjoyed the enormous privilege, visiting Asia, for the first time. It was a wonderful and unique experience, to engage in a very different culture and tradition. My initial […]

Throughout this month of October, a universal Synod of the church, takes place in Rome. This is a historic moment, where discernment, reflection and pragmatic evaluations will take place regarding […]

This year seems to be flying by. It’s hard to believe that we are now beginning the month of October. I pray, this new month will be a healthy and […]

Once upon a time there was a businessman who was sitting on the beach in a small Italian village. As he sat, taking a brief break from the stress of […]

Recent Harvest Thanksgiving Masses, in our local churches, have been a source of deep inspiration. The colour, fragrance, coupled with creativity and gratitude, offered hope and consolation for many people […]

This month of September, has begun with bright, warm sunshine. We all respond positively to light and warmth, its energy helps us to grow and blossom. I was particularly inspired, […]

Imagine that you had to employ a gardener. You ask around among your friends and  neighbours, and eventually you hear of two gardeners who are available. From people who have […]

This was a major week, for over 60,000 students who recieved their leaving certificate results. Sincere best wishes to all students, who soon begin a new journey. I suggest that […]

I remember being very moved by Brendan O’Connor’s interview with Brent Pope some time ago. Brent spoke of his reflective time during the lockdown. He thought of his mother in […]

At 86, Pope Francis, is the oldest Pontiff in over 120 years. Last June, he underwent serious surgery and has made a remarkable recovery. His words and actions, in recent […]

As I write this article, I look out and wonder when the sun will come out. July has been the wettest month ever recorded on this island. Unfortunately, so far […]

This week we begin the month of August, traditionally the harvest season. Weather has been a huge focus on conversation and contemplation in recent times. July, on our island was […]

Every institution needs to be accountable, transparent and discerning. We have lived through the consequences of poor governance and its drastic consequences from Church to Banking, the latest on this […]

From the crowded city streets to the busy town hall square, from the local village community to the crofter’s moorland cottage we find human beings going about their business. Some […]

Kevin was a giant of a man in so many ways. Throughout his life in all things his role was one of captain, the eldest and proud captain of the […]

How do you handle adversity? What are you thinking when the sun goes down on those cold, windy nights, when you’re trying to get to sleep, and the wind keeps […]

Recently, Cardinal Dolan of New York celebrated Mass in St. Patrick’s Cathedral to mark the end of the diocesan phase of the cause for the canonisation of Dorothy Day. The […]

This week we celebrate the summer solstice. The past few weeks we have all enjoyed magnificent weather. The summer brightness awakens within us a deep sense of gratitude and hope, […]

I recently came across this inspirational story….. A shop owner placed a sign above his door that said: “Puppies for Sale.” Signs like this always have a way of attracting […]

People meeting with people, discussions held round tables decorated with flowers, microphones adjusted for clarity of sound and a fine meal together in the evening. The formal setting of the […]

There are some very sharp turnings in life, as we know – and if we don’t we’ll find that out soon enough. Most of us, most of the time settle […]

Summer, is a wonderful time of year, long bright days that awaken within us all, a sense of peace and calm. Traditionally during summer time those who are fortunate enough […]

In the last years of his life, the great cellist and conductor Pablo Casals suffered greatly from rheumatoid arthritis and emphysema. At 90, he was badly stooped, his head thrust […]

Pope Francis often refers to the “Poison of Gossip”. Passing on bad news is negative and toxic. The more at peace we are within ourselves, the more at peace we […]

The Irish Bishop’s conference has initiated a year of prayer for vocations to the diocesan priesthood. Prayer and priesthood are closely connected. Priesthood ultimately is about service fuelled from God’s […]

Recent fine weather has given us an opportunity to refresh and renew. It amazes me, how we awaken with such hope and energy because of sunlight. Nature is looking splendid […]

In his recent Easter message, Pope Francis, reminds us “God loves us as we are, in our own unique way, our Creator, delights in what has been created”. A worrying […]

Easter is a wonderful time of year. Nature, reflects the transformation, from darkness into light. New green leaves, spring blossoms and brighter days lift our mood and awakens within us […]

How often do we find ourselves thinking where has time gone? Already in 2023, we have moved from the darkness of winter into the freshness of brighter evenings with the […]

Pope Francis, recently celebrated his 10th anniversary since becoming leader of the Catholic Church. His leadership is a remarkable one. Actions always speak louder than words, Francis, by his humility […]

Sure I love the dear silver that shines in your hair. Does anyone recognise that song? An old, old Irish favourite, Mother Machree. I remember my father singing it to […]

It’s hard to believe, three years ago, a national lockdown commenced, as we endured the fear and anxiety, that’s part of a pandemic. That’s why this year 2023, there is […]

Jesus wasn’t “laid back”. He had a sense of urgency about him, and he communicated that to others, especially his immediate followers. Why? Because he cared passionately about people. The […]

As the evenings lengthen and new signs of life appear in our gardens we welcome a new Spring. The following ancient story tells how the simple spring air can refresh […]

Feb 22nd, Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent. This is a season of reflection that leads us towards the three days of the Triduum, with Easter Sunday falling on […]

How do you handle adversity? What are you thinking when the sun goes down on those cold, windy nights, when you’re trying to get to sleep, and the wind keeps […]

Once upon a time, a long, long time ago, an  elderly man was taking a walk along the beach. He was relaxed and content. The sun shone brightly in the […]

I love this time of year, a time to embrace brighter evenings and early mornings. Already there are signs of the new spring. Snowdrops, emerging from the winter soil. I’m […]