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 real sense of gratitude and deep appreciation I reflect on the wonderful contribution, that Monsignor John Byrne, continues to make to the people of Portlaoise, The post Monsignor John Byrne, 25 years as Parish Priest of Portlaoise appeared first on Portlaoise Parish.

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’ refer to his immediate community, or did it extend beyond that to the whole village? Should people living nearby in the countryside be considered neighbours The post The Good Samaritan appeared first on Portlaoise Parish.

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 on how we define what prayer is, which of course there isn’t. One man’s meat . . . and so forth. But what I’m trying The post When did you last say your prayers? appeared first on Portlaoise Parish.

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 a unifying figure among conservatives and progressives. The designation is one of the most significant decisions of Leo’s young papacy and carries deep personal meaning. The post St. John Henry Newman…. Doctor of The Church appeared first on Portlaoise Parish.

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 the bounty of the harvest. All-Ireland GAA finals in Croke Park, The Forest Fest, Electric Picnic and The National Ploughing Championships, continue a rich tradition The post A Rich Harvest appeared first on Portlaoise Parish.

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 associated with harvest and Thanksgiving. The ancient Celtic festival of lunasa was a celebration for all what had been gathered. People were grateful, to their The post August….A Time to Harvest appeared first on Portlaoise Parish.