The number of priests and members of religious orders in Ireland has dropped by 70% since 1970. In the past three years more than 25% of all priests in Ireland […]

As we begin the month of October, I pray that we will all be nourished with great hope and peace. I found the recent visit by Pope Leo to France […]

This week we begin the month of October. Beginning on Thursday with the feast of St. Thérèse of Lisieux (1873–1897), known as the “Little Flower” or Thérèse of the Child […]

 This month, September marks the 25th anniversary, of the brutal terrorist attack, on the twin tower buildings, New York, that changed lives forever. While time has moved quickly, the loss […]

St. Francis of Assisi (Giovanni di Pietro di Bernardone) died on the evening of October 3, 1226 (around age 44), at the Porziuncola near Assisi; his feast day is October […]

Life’s greatest classroom isn’t a lecture hall—it’s the messy, beautiful journey of living itself. Every joy, every heartbreak, every quiet moment of doubt carries a lesson if we’re willing to […]

Dolly Parton (January 19, 1946 – August 25, 2026) lived a life that, viewed through a Christian lens, shines as a vivid testimony of God’s grace meeting human grit, creativity, […]

Britain’s prime minister called for serious reflection after a leading Cambridge Black professor who faced a storm of plagiarism accusations died tragically, days after resigning from a prestigious role at […]

Lourdes is a sacred place that continues to inspire hope and healing. A recent visit by Graiguecullen parish of over 300 people reminds me of the sacred connection between Laois […]

I’m very conscious of over 60,000 Leaving Cert students, as we move towards results time. Huge emphasis can be placed on the number of points received and the various college […]

What do a former US president, the Canadian prime minister and two of the world’s biggest rock stars have in common? They’re all celebrating. Mayo overcame a 75-year-old ‘curse’ and […]

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 […]