She was dying slowly in her father’s house, forbidden to leave—until a poet’s letter changed everything and she risked it all for a love that would become immortal. Elizabeth Barrett […]

A prophet has the ability to read the signs of the times mingling the relevance of the Gospel, in a courageous and faith filled manner. I have no doubt that […]

November for many is a challenging month. Winter darkness brings a change of mood, winter makes us all somewhat vulnerable. Nature seems to have fallen asleep, November mirrors our human […]

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. […]

  In all our communities, 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 […]

It is utterly distressing to watch news reports of the war in Gaza and the West Bank. Like so many others, the feelings of outrage coupled with powerlessness and sometimes […]

Pope Leo’s, first 100 days in the Petrine Office recently took place. His ministry is fuelled with deep discernment and prayer. Two qualities stand out: calmness and confidence. The calmness […]

This week marks the beginning of October. I really love the colours associated with October, nature as it bids farewell to foliage and fruits produces a farewell of magnificence and […]

Recently, Pope Leo XIV declared Pier Giorgio Frassati, a young Italian from the 20th century who died at the age of 24, and Carlo Acutis, an Italian teenager from the […]

This year marks the 250th anniversary of the birth of Daniel O’Connell, the “Great Liberator”. Daniel O’Connell (1775–1847) changed the face of Irish history. A brilliant orator, political organiser and […]

September brings a rich feast for our senses. Autumnal colors are very beautiful. In many ways’ autumn is a season of letting go. harvest has been gathered, fruit has ripened […]

Often in life, we only get the opportunity to speak well of someone we highly regard and respect, after they have physically gone from us. It is therefore with a […]

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’ […]

When did you last say your prayers?  This question makes all kinds of presumptions. Not least that people don’t pray. Or that prayer has any value. Or that there’s a consensus […]

Pope Leo XIV has declared St. John Henry Newman a “Doctor” of the church, bestowing one of the Catholic Church’s highest honours on the deeply influential 19th century Anglican convert, who remains […]

The month of August traditionally marks the beginning of autumn. For the Celtic people, this time of year was filled with festivity, engaging in many rituals which expressed gratitude for […]

Time and Seasons come and go, so far 2025 seems to have moved very quickly, it’s hard to believe, this week we begin the month of August. Traditionally August is […]

Our health is our wealth. Health of body and peace of mind are indeed rich blessings that many long for. Western culture, continues to value life on how the human […]

In a statement announcing Br Kevin’s death on 02 July 2025 at Mount Desert Nursing Home in Cork, the Capuchins said he was known throughout the country and beyond as […]

It was disappointing to read that tourists visiting our beautiful island has greatly reduced in recent times. Ireland has benefited hugely from tourism, especially many of the service industries. Ireland […]

A moral compass offers direction informed by values. Christianity, is a wonderful moral compass, based on gospel values of faith, hope and love. I found recent majority votes, regarding abortion […]

These weeks many cemetery masses take place in every parish across the country. I really like these occasions when family and communities unite in the brightest days of the year […]

Time moves by too quickly, soon we arrive at the longest day of the year June 21st. These long bright days I pray will bring blessing of faith hope and […]

As we move through life, we all can agree with the wisdom, “Our health is our wealth”. Health of body and Peace of Mind are important and valued gifts, that […]

In a quaint village nestled between rolling hills and valleys of Mount Kilimanjaro, Thomas, a humble farmer, faced a severe drought that threatened his crops and livelihood. With each passing […]

First Holy Communion, continues to be an incredibly special day, not just in the life of young people, but for their entire families and indeed school communities. I appreciate the […]

There has been huge focus on the Catholic Church over the past number of weeks. As Pope Francis health declined, media commentary intensified following his death and subsequent conclave which […]

As I write this article, the cardinal electors, are currently in conclave. Their task, to select the 267th successor of Peter. I pray that the spirit of discernment and peace, […]

As I write this article, looking out of my window, the month of May, begins in splendid sunshine. Birds singing loudly, new leaves on the trees suggesting a new season, […]

The death of Pope Francis, fills me with a deep sadness as we mourn the loss of a kind, courageous, and gentle pastor.  I also have a sense of gratitude […]

Sunday 27th of April, Carlo Acutis, will be formally canonized and declared saint. This will take place in an open air ceremony in Saint Peters square the Vatican. He will […]

These days of bright blue skies, and spring blossoms, make it easy to identify with the Easter message. In this Jubilee Year of Hope, Easter reminds us we belong to […]

The month of April has begun with splendid sunshine and blue skies. This is a beautiful time of year, nature awakens within us all a time of hope and new […]

As we get closer to Holy Week it is good to reflect on how we pray. Prayer is often personal and perhaps is best practiced in silence. Thomas Green S.J. […]

This week we celebrate the effects of the spring equinox. For the next six months there will be more light than darkness. Light is good for the mind and body. […]

St Patrick inspires faith… As I write this article, Taoiseach Micheál Martin is scheduled to meet U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House on March 12, 2025, as part […]

There is a real sense here in Ireland, that the vocation crisis, to the priesthood, is having real consequences in terms of aging clergy and many priest-less parishes. Here in […]

As I write this article, I’m very conscious that the health of Pope Francis, seems to be seriously declining. Pope Francis has led the Catholic Church with a deep sense […]

Our world is indeed going through very troubled times. In a time of turbulence, it is important to be reminded that Christian values such as faith hope and love are […]

Addiction is lived reality for many good people. The life story of an Irish man and his recovery is an inspirational one. Matt Talbot was born May 1856 in Dublin […]

This week we celebrate St. Valentine’s Day. Traditionally this day is associated with romance and love. Historically it is interesting to trace its evolvement. There were probably at least three […]

Weather wise January 2025 has been dreadful. Because of heavy snow and dangerous pathways, it was reminiscent of lockdown. The recent storm Eowyn caused devastating damage and inflicted hardship on […]

February is it time of growth and invitation for us all. The light of spring slowly triumphs over winter darkness. The story and celebration of Saint Brigid remains deeply relevant […]

The beatification cause of Sister Clare Crockett, an inspirational young Irish religious sister who died in 2016, formally opened Sunday January 12th with a ceremony at the Cathedral of Alcalá […]

The best resolutions are elastic—they cannot be broken with a   single act. If you swear never to touch red meat, one burger ruins the resolution. If, on the other hand, […]

Where does time go by? It’s hard to believe that it is now 25 years since the world anxiously embraced the new Millennium now we know the tech world did […]

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 […]