CatholicIreland.net

A course on what Catholics believe and why is proving a popular means of deepening the faith for many Irish people during the Year of Faith.

American writer and theologian, Fr Robert Barron used film to illustrate the richness of the Catholic Church’s global culture, the extraordinary beauty of its art and architecture, and the depth of its faith, in his acclaimed Catholicism series.

The immigration emergency in Europe is worsening every day, and not only on the Italian coast, the daily landing place for hundreds of people fleeing their homelands.

(Vatican Radio) After the recitation of the Angelus, Pope Francis renewed his call for peace in Syria. “It is not confrontation that offers hope to resolve problems, but rather the ability to meet and dialogue.” The Holy Father called on the International Community to do everything in its power to help the “beloved Syrian nation” find a solution to the ongoing conflict. At the end of his remarks, Pope Francis lead all those listening in a prayer to Mary, Queen of Peace.

Below, please find Vatican Radio’s translation of Pope Francis appeal for Syria:

Pauline Dowd has a spring in her step and you are not talking to her very long before you find out why.

Personable and focussed she says: “I just love this job. There is a very positive energy running through our diocese.” It is evident she is passionate about her work – mission would be a better word – and she exudes a confidence that helps to get things done.

Just 11 months ago Mrs Dowd left a key management position at Belfast Metropolitan College to take up the post of director of youth ministry in Ireland’s second largest diocese, Down and Connor.

The Irish Catholic – Cathal Barry

Irish Catholics should be hopeful for the future of the Church in Ireland, which is already beginning to show signs of renewal and growth, a high profile Irish-American Cardinal has said.

Archbishop of New York, Cardinal Timothy Dolan, told this newspaper the Irish Church “is doing great”. “You can already see the signs of renewal and growth,” he said.

Referring to recent scandals that have rocked the Church in Ireland, Cardinal Dolan said Irish Catholics “need to have courage”.

(Vatican Radio) The Maronite Patriarch, Cardinal Bechara Rai, says Christians always pay the highest price when conflicts erupt in Middle East countries such as Egypt, Syria and Iraq. Cardinal Rai also said that outside countries, especially in the West but also elsewhere, are helping to foment these conflicts.

The Irish Catholic

A pilgrim with a rosary wrapped around her hand prays during the World Youth Day closing Mass on Copacabana beach in Rio de Janeiro July 28. Photo: CNS

Jesus told the disciples: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations” (Mt. 28: 19) I would be surprised if someone at the time had not replied something along the lines of “Ok, but how?” I envisaged such a scene at the Prayer Vigil of World Youth Day on July 27, when Pope Francis raised the question:

“Where do we start?…Some people once asked Mother Teresa of Calcutta what needed to change in the Church, and which wall should they start with? They asked her, where is the starting point? And she replied, you and I are the starting point!”

The Irish Catholic

In Ireland 2-3 children in every classroom are likely to have some type of dyslexia – how well are they being supported?

According to the Dyslexia Association of Ireland 1 in 10 people in our population are affected by dyslexia. This means 2-3 children in every classroom are likely to have some type of dyslexia.

The association defines the condition as a “specific learning difficulty which makes it hard for some people to learn to read, write and spell correctly” and educational psychologist, Donald Ewing says this learning difficulty is unexpected given the person’s other abilities.

(Vatican Radio) The number of Syrian children living as refugees has reached one million, while another two million have been displaced within the country or recruited as fighters.

(Vatican Radio) Ever since the economic crisis hit Ireland five years ago the Capuchin Day Centre for the homeless located in the heart of Dublin has seen the numbers of people seeking help double. The centre which was founded in the 1960’s by Capuchin Franciscan Brother Kevin Crowley, provides meal services, medical care and food parcels for people without a home or in financial difficulty.