“Let us go to Jesus, knock on Jesus’ heart, and say to Him, ‘Lord, if You will it, You can heal me.’” – Pope Francis.
We take this opportunity to invite all those affected by abortion - women and men - to avail of spiritual, sacramental and pastoral support, and we assure them that they will be welcomed without judgement and helped to find healing and peace – Council for Life.
“I recognise that Marion was healed from her long-standing illness while on pilgrimage in this sacred place” – Bishop Francis Duffy.
We invoke the healing power of Jesus on the sick among us, remembering in our prayers all those who suffer sickness or anguish or addiction or pain or isolation and loneliness.
“We are reminded of the value of peace by the passing of Martin McGuinness, who threw away weapons of war for an embrace of peace and how we have all prospered as a result.”
John McAreavey and Joanne O’Riordan to share their stories and talk about how faith has played a part in their lives and helped them overcome adversity.
Former footballer to give personal testimony about his faith journey following the tragic death of his wife, Michaela.
Bishops refer to 1916 centenary commemorations and the coming general election in Christmas messages.
"Sow generously in season and out of season. Leave worries about the growth to the Lord," Bishop Donal McKeown tells newly ordained Fr Seán O'Donnell.
Unemployment is still one of Derry’s “big problems” along with the legacy of the conflict.
Bishop Ken Good viewed ‘The People’s Gallery’ during a one-day event called ‘Art, Faith and Peace – The Bogside Artists: the Story Behind the Murals’.
Marion Carroll was cured of her multiple sclerosis by the 'living Christ in the Eucharist'.
“Many people believe his prayers have brought the healing power of God into their lives and his tomb is visited daily by those who seek his help.”
Pontiff calls on Sri Lankans “to accept one another, to respect legitimate diversities, and learn to live as one family.”
Couples are reminded that marriage is “a demanding journey, at times difficult, and at times turbulent”.
No room for exclusivity within the Church Archbishop Martin warns in Australian address.
"A Church which talks about a preferential option for the poor must show unflinchingly a preferential option for those who have been victims of abuse" - Archbishop Martin.
Morale among Irish priests “very challenged” by abuse scandals.
Dawn Eden explains how the lives of the Saints have given her hope and aided her journey of spiritual healing after childhood sexual abuse.
Sister Carla Simmons writes about bringing home care to families living with AIDS in Uganda. She is a sister-doctor of the Medical Missionaries of Mary. This article first appeared in Healing and Development, a publication of the Medical Missionaries of Mary.
Barbara J Joseph OSF gives practical advice about how to come to terms with chronic illness and discover the grace that goes with the condition.
Marilyn Rodrigues recounts the story of Grow, a community mental health movement co-founded by Fr Con Keogh after he himself suffered from mental illness.
John Scally interviews Moya Brennan, formerly singer with Clannad, about turning to God after hitting rock-bottom.
Sean O’Conaill argues that we’re wrong to suppose that psychic buoyancy and emotional autonomy are the norm in mental health. We are relational, not autonomous, beings; and it is in the context of relationships, friendship, and love that emotional health is best considered.
Mental illness, like Alzheimer’s disease, depression and schizophrenia, is a challenge to the person who suffers it and to those close to and/or caring for them. Jeanette Brimner gives good advice on understanding mental illness.
Patricia writes: I don’t feel comfortable going to the sacrament of penance, so I receive Holy Communion, even if I am in a state of mortal sin. I am a weak person, and I try to draw strength from the Body of Christ within me. Surely God wouldn’t mind me [...]
Debates about euthanasia and the right of people to end their own life are quite frequent today. Gail Northgrave writes about how Billy Graham is coping with Parkinson’s disease and how he still lives a purposeful life.
“In the sacrament of reconciliation we have a special instance of the Lord’s gracious invitation to approach him with confidence in our difficulties.” Fr Bernard McGuckian answers some of the queries of an inquirer.
“An eye for an eye leaves the whole country blind,” said Gandhi. People who despite tragedy and atrocity have found in themselves the freedom to reconcile or forgive is the focus of an exhibition discussed here by Michael Fogarty.
In this article, Brian Lennon SJ tells us that forgiving is a journey. It is wrong to say that Christian forgiving is only about loving our enemies. It is about more than that. It is also about challenging wrongdoers, and about separation from evil.