Fr. Joe’s writings and rumblings.
I grew up with loud booming cries of ‘No Pope here!’ and ‘ We want an end to Popery!’ I think a lot of us can look back on that now with something of a wry smile, though for sure it was not particularly funny at the time. In 1979 when Read more…
I don’t know if you have encountered the ‘flat white?’ It’s the latest in the world of coffee. I have been opting for it over the latte or cappuccino. I think I have been telling myself that it’s more healthy. Less cream, less sugar, less froth, less frills. Though of course in Read more…
I think between the book, a few media appearances and a couple of the rumblings I have got the name of being something of a prophet of gloom. A lot of people are inclined to associate me with the phrase ‘the death of the church’. I think some, especially those who do Read more…
What a fall! That was a real fall from grace. He used to be flavour of the month. She could do no wrong. Everything she touched turned to gold. Local boy makes good. These, and many more we could add, are all examples of statements we use to describe or evaluate each Read more…
I am really too old for this now! So much so I lie on my bed until the very last minute these mornings. Once the radio clicks off I know I better move to go downstairs. I am happy it’s another day but I have grown to hate the stairs. Actually I Read more…
Lent seems an opportune moment to explore the burden of Jesus. The Pope said recently that Lent was a great time to come home. I think this was what got me thinking. The idea of coming home, of returning to what is important, to re – focus is of course very much Read more…
Whilst we are probably not there yet, I am coming round to the notion that perhaps the only thing that will save the Irish Church is a revolution. Of course I am not speaking of violence. This is not a call to arms. No, this is a call to engage in a Read more…
No I am not swayed by arguments, stats and Gory pictures. Nor am I swayed by the one who says you are her body because You are in it. No I am not swayed by fear and threat Even that attributed to the Divine. Nor am I swayed by your Read more…
It is perhaps my single greatest disappointment, certainly it is a recurring sadness, in my life as a priest. I speak of how many of us miss the fact that we as Catholics are called to have a unique personal relationship with Jesus. I appreciate these words are easily spoken and I have Read more…
EAVESDROPPING ON A BANK HOLIDAY How tired he is Minding children that are not his own And his as well Clearly he loves her as he admires the great mother she is Yet he yearns for ‘quality time’ with her Beer has loosened his tongue He tells them way more Read more…