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 4th. This year marks the 800th anniversary of his death. The year is being marked by a special Franciscan Jubilee. It celebrates a year of The post St. Francis of Assisi 800th anniversary appeared first on Portlaoise Parish.

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 listen. God often teaches us through the unexpected—through failures that humble us, relationships that stretch us, and seasons of waiting that build our trust. Think The post Back to School appeared first on Portlaoise Parish.

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, and generosity. She died peacefully at 80 in Nashville, as announced by her nephew Bryan Seaver, who shared that she “has lived in the light and The post Dolly Parton an iconic Christian appeared first on Portlaoise Parish.

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 the University. Jason Arday, who became Cambridge’s youngest Black professor in 2023, was found dead, a huge loss to his wife and young family. He The post Britain’s prime minister called for serious reflection … appeared first on Portlaoise Parish.

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 and Lourdes. Soon Pope Leo will visit Lourdes, embracing a sacred place where vulnerability is embraced and healing is celebrated. What makes Lourdes so real The post Lourdes and Laois appeared first on Portlaoise Parish.

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 courses that will be offered. It can indeed be a time of enormous anxiety, placed on young shoulders. The points system fundamentally fails to recognize The post Hold On To Hope…. Inspirational Lives appeared first on Portlaoise Parish.