Since the publication of the Vigano Testament, demands for resignations have been an almost daily occurrence. More recently, their rapidity has increased; as has their target. Calls for papal resignation are no longer a novelty. It is not surprising that amidst these p...

Reports of the Vigano Testament indicate that the 'controversy' is unlikely to go away any time soon. It would appear views are becoming more extreme and, seemingly, polarised.  In the last 24 hours, it has been reported that during the Wednesday papal audience shouts...

Those well versed in forensic examination or courtroom advocacy will often remark that the quality of an answer, and the weight or evidential value which it may enjoy, is dependent upon the question which prompts it.   This question, posed by Simon Peter (Jn 6:68) is w...

"Thus, I fell among men, delirious in their pride, carnal and voluble...their heart was empty of truth. Still, they cried "Truth, Truth" and were forever speaking the word to me."  

With these words, St Augustine begins Chapter 6 of his "Confessions". On the eve of his...

On arriving at Dublin Castle, and having signed the book of welcome, Pope Francis listened to the Prime Minister of Ireland speak of 'stains' on society, the State and the Church. In response, he stated it was not possible to ignore the repugnant scandal and the failin...

With the world meeting of families underway and the imminent papal visit to Ireland, media coverage has been as diverse in its subject matter as it has been negative. Interviews with street vendors complain of a lack of interest in papal wares and souvenirs. They remar...

The tsunami of criticism following the publication of the Pennsylvania grand jury report threatens to engulf a number of episcopal offices far beyond the land masse of the United States. A grand jury is, of course, a legal form of inquiry to determine the potential for...

The term 'scandal' is much used nowadays; sadly, all too often it is deployed in connection with the Church. The word scandalum refers to that which causes others to stumble. It denotes an occasion, event, or incident which causes others to be wrongfooted; quite l...

The absence of recent articles on this website, should not be taken as indicative of a dearth of news. GDPR and the referendum on the 8th amendment in Ireland aside, stories have ranged from reports of a female government minister 'celebrating mass' (in fact on closer...

Today marks the solemnity of Corpus Christi. In the past, there would be processions; the real presence in the monstrance carried aloft beneath a suitably devised (and adorned) canopy, or at least an ombrelino. Many of the priests celebrating the eucharist today will b...