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 abroad. During his visit, he prayed at the tomb, entrusted Lebanon to Saint Charbel’s intercession, and presented a votive lamp to honour the saint. He The post Saint Charbel Makhlouf – An Iconic Saint appeared first on Portlaoise Parish.

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 fire, but for reasons satisfactory to themselves, each person refused to give what they had. A woman would not give because she said she The post In an Instant Culture Waiting is very Challenging appeared first on Portlaoise Parish.

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 and school staff, along with Boards of Management, have been asked to participate in the survey. It can be accessed and completed online.  The Department The post An Important Survey from Department of Education appeared first on Portlaoise Parish.

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 was born in 1806 into wealth built on Jamaican sugar plantations. She was brilliant from the start—reading Homer in Greek at eight, writing epic poetry The post Elizabeth Barrett A Life of Love & Hope appeared first on Portlaoise Parish.

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 Ireland’s beloved Sr. Stan, fulfilled her prophetic ministry, fuelled with the Spirit of Jesus Christ. A fearless campaigner for those who found themselves on the The post Sister Stanislaus Kennedy appeared first on Portlaoise Parish.

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 mortality and in this regard traditionally in November we remember loved ones gone before us. However, it is important that we nourish our hope and The post Amazing Grace appeared first on Portlaoise Parish.