I was greatly inspired recently by the story of the Ulma family, patrons of family life and the unborn child.  In a world overshadowed by terror and brutality, the story of […]

One day a farmer’s donkey fell into a well. The animal cried piteously for hours as the farmer tried to figure out what to do. Finally, he decided the animal […]

Much focus these days is on the United States of America. The U.S. hosts this very enjoyable World Cup, true to form the various stadia are exuberant and very big […]

Addiction is a 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 […]

The cuckoo is an extraordinary bird. It’s first soundings are warmly greeted as its song reminds us that winter has passed and much brighter days ahead. Here in Abbeyleix local […]

Soon the summer solstice will take place. This is when the sun is at its furthest point from the equator, making it the longest day of the year. It has […]

This week, more than 150 events nationwide will celebrate Ireland’s 600,000+ family carers during National Carers Week 2026 (June 8–14). Carers Week 2026 has a simple but powerful message: ‘Thank […]

Soon, Pope Leo XIV will travel to the Sicilian island of Lampedusa, returning to a place that has become one of the most powerful symbols of the migrant crisis and […]

Pope Leo XIV, recently published the first encyclical, major teaching letter, of his papacy.  The letter, Magnifica Humanitas (The Grandeur of Humanity) is aimed at safeguarding humanity at a time of […]

This week, we celebrate the great feast of Pentecost. The outpouring of the Holy Spirit isn’t something that just happened in the distant past but continues to be relevant and […]

There is a very beautiful stained-glass window, over the choir loft, in our parish church, here in Abbeyleix. The window depicts the glorious Ascension of our Lord Jesus Christ into […]

Recently thousands of people walked the annual Darkness into Light memorial. It is a magnificent moment of solidarity emphasizing together we are stronger. Faith and spirituality enhance our well-being and mental health it gives […]

As we begin the month of May, we enter into a very sacred season, where nature rejoices in light and warmth. For ancient people this time of year was an […]

It is rare to visit the local parish church, here in Abbeyleix, without noticing candles lighting in front of Saint Joseph’s shrine. These days lots of candles are offered in […]

Pope Leo has almost reached the first year of his papacy. I suggest this has been a remarkable year, in his witness for Jesus Christ and in his gentle yet […]

Going to bed on April 7th, for many, brought with it tension and worry as the threat of global war made us all feel very vulnerable. Thankfully time has been […]

Easter 2026 finds itself in the context of a troubling war in the Middle East. The sacred and holy city of Jerusalem has felt the consequences. Christians prohibited from public […]

Easter 2026 finds itself in the context of a troubling war in the Middle East. The sacred and holy city of Jerusalem has felt the consequences. Christians prohibited from public […]

In recent times, there has been much commentary, regarding a gentle reawakening and appreciation of the Christian faith. In Paris, London and Dublin, record numbers of adults are being baptized […]

Soon we will enter into the rich tradition of observing Holy Week. A week, that embraces every aspect of the human story. from joy to sorrow, despair to hope, from […]

This week we celebrate our national holiday Saint Patrick’s Day. The origin of these festivities, belong to our rich Christian heritage which Patrick himself fanned into flame. The current volatile […]

After a long dark and very wet winter, it’s great to welcome the brightness and new life, associated with spring. As we continue in this season of lent, to prepare […]

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 […]

Lent 2026 is a sacred season that invites humanity to enter a time of prayer, fasting, almsgiving, and deeper conversion. In a world that can feel divided and noisy, Pope […]

The early Irish saints refer primarily to the holy men and women who lived during the period of early Christian Ireland, roughly from the 5th to the 8th centuries (with […]

Wednesday February 11th celebrates 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 […]

We live in turbulent times. I find it very upsetting listening to news regarding the growing polarization and violence in the United States. How a country once viewed with such […]

I’m very conscious since Christmas I have celebrated too many funerals, thoughts and prayers for so many families at this time living through the reality of loss and bereavement. I’m […]

One of the fundamental tasks of the Christian faith is to communicate well. The early disciples were invited to go and tell The Good News. I’m inspired by the life […]

As we begin the early pathway of a new year, wisdom suggests walking easy, taking each step at a time. 2026, like every new year, brings an invitation to begin […]

Christmas 2025 concludes for Christian, a jubilee year of hope. I pray, that this Christmas, will be filled with Health of Body and Peace of Mind for all of you […]

These days we find ourselves plunged into the depths of winter darkness. Nature seems to have fallen asleep and yet in its raw and empty silence, creation continues to inspire […]

Pope Leo XIV visited the tomb of Saint Charbel Makhlouf at the Monastery of Saint Maron in Annaya, Lebanon, on December 1, 2025, as part of his first apostolic journey […]

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 […]

The Department of Education and Youth has launched a survey to assess demand for different types of primary schools. Its aim is to expand parental choice in education. Parents, principals […]

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 […]