Benedict’s third way

When the bishops of England and Wales issued their pre-election statement, ‘Choosing the Common Good’, last week, they cited the Pope’s encyclical Caritas in Veritate as highly relevant to efforts to rethink economic life after the recent financial crisis. But what lies behind it?...

Why does child sex-abuse happen?

The Church has been devastated by the scandal of paedophile priests. Yet, while child-protection measures are now in place worldwide, questions remain over the causes of the abuse. Here a renowned specialist in the field examines the psychological factors at work...

Deserving of our protection

Once the ivory trade nearly ended the days of the African elephant. Now plates of sushi have almost put paid to the bluefin tuna. But a UN gathering in Doha this weekend could save further devastation of Creation...

Even laments can praise

Tom Wright continues his series of Lenten reflections based on the Psalms with a study of how a cry for help can really be a glorification of the one to whom we turn for succour...

Safe haven for some

Should a politician or military leader suspected of war crimes be arrested if he or she travels to Britain? It happened in the case of the former Chilean dictator Augusto Pinochet in 1998, but may not do so again, given that political pragmatism is likely to win in a conflict with principle...

Rebels with a cause

While most Franciscan orders are in decline, the Friars of the Renewal, who have settled in one of the most desolate inner-city areas in Ireland, are attracting vocations. Their ministry is giving hope to the troubled community of Moyross in Limerick...

Rendering unto God but not to Caesar

As the world goes green on Wednesday in celebration of St Patrick and all things Irish, many will remember the patriots whose Easter Rising helped bring independence to the republic. They were led by a man whose ideas were as steeped in Catholicism as in socialism ...

Thoroughly nice titans

Two jockeys at the pinnacle of their game; two mounts at the top of theirs. All is set, says Dominic Prince, for one of the greatest equine showdowns of all time...

Hard road ahead

The standing of the Church in Ireland is at a low ebb following recent revelations about the prevalence of sexual abuse. Yet it can be argued that the situation presents an opportunity to renew the Church. A new dawn could emerge from the darkness...

Illuminated by grace

One goal of Lenten observance is ready devotion and eager faith. As the Church hastens towards the Easter solemnities, it celebrates the fullness of their mysteries in every liturgy. The faithful come to see that all human life can find its true goal in love of God and neighbour...

Children called to holiness

There are increasing numbers of young people in the seven to 14 age group who are not only asking the ‘big’ questions about life, but are looking to the Church as a place that provides the answers. Parishes need to be ready to respond to their needs...

Vintage bargains

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