Reflections & Homilies

Archbishop Dermot Farrell, Archbishop of Dublin gave this homily during the 6pm Vigil Mass in Saint Mary's Cathedral, Dublin yesterday. "Come to me, all you who labour and overburdened, and I will give you rest" (Matt 11:28). These words of the Lord in our Gospel today express the tenderness of the love which the Lord lavishes on those whom He invites to draw closer to the source of life. God's d... Read More

Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time This past week has been one of new experiences, some good, some difficult, but all linked to the slow process of healing. I underwent a full knee replacement last Thursday, not the best of operations, and having two orthopaedic surgeon brothers it was a procedure which was explained to me in detail. I have to admit it has been a painful and difficult week, one in... Read More

Human life is a sacred gift that merits to be welcomed, protected and cared for in all its stages. Nevertheless, indifference, exclusion and violence threatening the dignity of the person, especially those who are particularly vulnerable, persists in many parts of the world. When respect for life diminishes, the throwaway culture grows, leaving many without the care, support and recognition they n... Read More

June 28th 2026 Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul We must try and avoid any form of triumphalism for this feast, that is not how the apostles witnessed to their faith in Jesus, rather it is more prescient to celebrate as we ought, with joy and thoughtfulness, grateful for the witness and ministry of these two key figures at the beginnings of our faith.. In our Catholic tradition we also pray for P... Read More

How do my Christian friends view my engagement with Muslims? I am often ask about my experience with Muslims. I tell them that I believe that I've been called by the Church to immerse myself among Muslims. The word "among" is key to understanding my mission. My purpose is to witness Christ's love among them. Over the years, I've become increasingly convinced that it is Christ's love that drives us... Read More

During his Wednesday General Audience, Pope Leo XIV focused on the Eucharist as he continued reflecting on Vatican II's 1963 Dogmatic Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy, Sacrosanctum Concilium, underscoring that the sacred mystery enables us 'to adopt the very way of the Lord.' "Let us draw with faith from this source of divine life and allow ourselves to be transformed by the mystery we celebrate... Read More

Bishop Niall Coll, Bishop of Raphoe, delivered this homily at the International Eucharistic and Marian Shrine of Knock in Ireland, for the Day for Life yesterday. "The Church does not proclaim the Gospel of Life in order to condemn. Christ always begins with mercy. There is no wound beyond His healing, no past beyond His forgiveness, no life beyond His love." My brothers and sisters, In today's G... Read More

Twelfth Sunday in Ordinary Time. 1. Jeremiah speaks for our time. What a relief it is to hear those clear words of the prophet Jeremiah telling us not to listen to the babble of dissonant religious voices. It fills me with a new energy, because far too much, and too often in out present social media world , all kinds of people are allowed to say the most outrageous things about faith, cite script... Read More

Eleventh Sunday in Ordinary Time The opening words of the gospel this Sunday present us the commissioning by Jesus of the twelve disciples, for what we can call their first missionary journey. At the heart of their mandate is the proclamation of the Kingdom, which remains a constant in every other missionary action from that initial trip of that first time to our mission as disciples of the Lord i... Read More

Solemnity of the Holy Body and Blood of Christ It is quite exciting and wonderful how familiar passages from the Scriptures can suddenly open themselves out to us, and help us focus in a different way, by causing us to reflect in a deeper and more thoughtful way and make connections that enrich our faith journey! And so I found that this verse from our first reading caught my attention and struck ... Read More

During the General Audience with pilgrims in St Peter's Square yesterday, Pope Leo focused on the importance of the signs, symbols and rites of the liturgy to draw us closer to God, Pope Leo said: "With the solemn simplicity of its rhythms, the rite interrupts our frenetic activities, leading us back to what is essential... We thus discover another dimension of action, not guided by calculations... Read More

The values expressed in sports can unite people, break down barriers, and create spaces bringing together cultures and generations. At a time when competition can become empty rivalry, and exclusion leaves many out, it is important that we rediscover the true meaning of sports as a school of fraternity, respect, and solidarity. In this month's prayer, the Holy Father invites us to pray "for the va... Read More

The Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity Lectionary: 164 A bit of History I start on a slightly contentious note, because I find this feast somewhat superfluous as a distinct celebration. I can understand that it emerged out of devotion, but for the first millennium of the Church a specific, universal feast honouring the Trinity did not exist, there was a deeper and more pertinent understanding that... Read More

Renewing the liturgy and allowing it to progress, while preserving tradition, allows the Church to grow, be united and continue her mission of spreading the Gospel to all, Pope Leo XIV said during the Wednesday General Audience in St Peter's Square on 27 May. The Holy Father continued his catechesis series on the Documents of the Second Vatican Council, and reflected on the 1963 Constitution on t... Read More