I met Sinead about three months ago now, and even though I feel a bit strange telling ‘rumbling’ readers this, the truth is I haven’t really got over it. I suppose to say she was gorgeous is a real cliche, but I am trying to find words and, unusually for me, Read more…
Even the sound of the word has a ring to it. It sounds a serious business, which of course it is. ‘Get out of here you blasphemers!!’ What is a blasphemer? Somebody who blasphemes? Well yes, but what is that? What does it mean to blaspheme? Blasphemy is to insult or denigrate Read more…
I recently went to see the latest Tom Cruise movie which is in the tradition of the well known Mission Impossible stories. It is, as you might imagine, full of action, nail biting scenes full of danger and intrigue. Granted, whilst a lot of the more dangerous stunts are quite improbable, this does Read more…
The truth is the Church has apologised on a number of occasions. They have been significant apologies and have indeed been offered by successive pontiffs. Many would find it hard to believe that John Paul II made over a hundred apologies to a whole range of people. The groups that Read more…
‘They are neither in the Church, nor out of it. Neither fish nor flesh. These are the modern curse of the Church, these a la carte Catholics. They tick the box. They pick and choose. They use us when they need us, and don’t bother with us the rest of Read more…
‘They are neither in the Church, nor out of it. Neither fish nor flesh. These are the modern curse of the Church, these a la carte Catholics. They tick the box. They pick and choose. They use us when they need us, and don’t bother with us the rest of the time. Read more…
‘Oh Father, I couldn’t begin to tell you. Where do I start?’ This is not an uncommon line from someone speaking about their family. Often when I hear this comment it makes me smile and think of my own family. I especially think of a few years before my Mum Read more…
‘Oh Father, I couldn’t begin to tell you. Where do I start?’ This is not an uncommon line from someone speaking about their family. Often when I hear this comment it makes me smile and think of my own family. I especially think of a few years before my Mum died and I Read more…
If you don’t remember the hit number one song with this title by The Clash, from 1981, I am sure in these Google days you will be able to get it. Should I stay or should I go now? Should I stay or should I go now? If I go, there Read more…
This morning, Saturday, the day the votes in the referendum are being counted I was in the Phoenix Park. I was feeling pretty heavy hearted. As someone who wrote and preached and indeed voted no, whilst I was not surprised at the outcome, as I had fully expected the Yes campaign to win, Read more…