We are never alone

Newman's Church, Dublin

During a visit to the capital today, I grabbed a few moments to visit the lovely church on Clarendon Street (run by the Discalced Carmelites). I could not help noticing the beauty of this place, as is the case with most of Dublin's city-centre churches (among which I would include the Dominicans in Dominick Street, the Jesuits in Gardiner St, the Franciscans on Merchants Quay, the Capuchins in Church St, the Augustinians on Thomas Street, Newman's Church on St Stephen's Green (where I was baptised) and many more besides. Long may they remain open and accessible not only for the celebration of Mass each day but for at least a few hours each day when workers, residents, visitors and others can say a prayer, light a candle or just sit and absorb the atmosphere of the place. 

A thought occurred to me as I was dashing for the transport home – there are many things in our world and our little corner of it that we cannot change but we can change our own thinking and behaviour and, together, with others, make a difference. While we have the light of day let’s walk in the light and give thanks for the opportunities to take ‘time out’ in the presence of the One who is our Lord and Saviour (John 12:35).

The wisdom of St Pius of Pietrelcina

St Pius of Pietrelcina or, Padre Pio (1887-1968), has had a huge popular following in Ireland.  Devotion to the Capuchin Franciscan saint who carried what is known as the ‘stigmata’ (physical wounds corresponding to those suffered by Christ in his Passion) has touched every parish in Ireland at some point in the recent decades.  His life was given to prayer, penance, ministry of the sacraments and works of love for the sick, in particular. In his sufferings, he lived the Mass and gave his life for others.

One of his famous sayings was:

It would be easier for the world to exist without the sun than without the Holy Mass.

Padro Pio’s way of celebrating Mass was remarkable in a number of ways. In it, he entered deeply into the mystery of Christ's Passion.  Mass could take a longer time than usual as he poured himself out at the altar in contemplation.  Various accounts recount that Padre Pio wept at Mass on occasions; that he paused in silence for extended periods; and appeared overwhelmed at the consecration.

Why an anxious generation needs more than therapy

Source: The Wave Clinic

There has been a noticeable increase in discussion of mental health – especially among the young generation.  To what extent this is the product of real or actual increases in cases of acute anxiety and depression over time or, alternatively, the result of greater attention, awareness, diagnosis and acknowledgment of mental health is not clear. However, I suspect that it is a bit of both.  

Why might there be a generalised increase in symptoms among the ‘millennials’?  Received wisdom and research seems to suggest a multiplicity of factors including heightened uncertainty, precarious employment, housing affordability, social media stress, smartphones among other factors. While I do not claim expertise on all these matters I can confirm, based on my own doctoral research some 20 years ago, that social connectedness is a strong contributor to human satisfaction (and by implication mental health).  While specific evidence on the positive impacts of ‘religion’ is mixed the weight of evidence is that belonging, connection and purpose associated with religious affiliation have generally positive impacts. That is quite apart from the benefits of belief in a higher being and the hope of eternal life and communion with God.

The Blood of Christians is seed: the Eucharistic witness of the Korean Martyrs

Korea has had a long history of Catholic martyrdom stretching back to the late eighteenth century.  In recent times, Christians in North Korea have suffered hugely because of the communist regime.  Venerable Fr Emil Kapaun, a U.S. Army chaplain captured by communist forces in North Korea, continued celebrating Mass, praying with prisoners, and ministering to the dying in prisoner camps before his death in 1951. His cause for canonisation is ongoing.  His ministry revolved around the Eucharist under the most horrific conditions. Many missionariesincluding several Irish Columban priests stayed in Korea rather than flee andpaid the ultimate price.

In the course of the late 18^th and over the 19^th Century, thousands of Christians were put to death in Korea for their faith. During the ruling Joseon Dynasty Christianity was seen as a foreign threat to the political, social and religious foundations of the state.

Forever connected: Mary, Jesus and the mystery of fetal microchimerism

Science and faith are often thought of as enemies. Nothing could be further from the truth.  Science and faith complement each other. Though given by grace, faith uses the experience, knowledge and material of human life to show us the wonders of God who loves us infinitely and whose ways and thoughts are inscrutable. As it says in today’s first reading from Isaiah (55:9):

For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.

A fascinating insight has been offered by science into the mysteries of human reproduction.  The term fetal microchimerism refers to the persistence of a small number of fetal cells in a mother's body after pregnancy. Research has shown that these cells can remain in the mother's blood and tissues for decades after childbirth.

In mothers who have carried a male child, cells containing Y-chromosome DNA

Called at every hour of life

Sunday 20 September 2026

Lectio Divina:*

Isaiah 55:6-9 Psalm 145(144) Philippians 1:20-27 Matthew 20:1-16

Meditatio:

‘I choose to give to this last the same as I give to you’. (Matthew 20:14)

Commentary:

Many of us who live in relatively prosperous societies hope, with gratitude, to reach retirement in reasonable health. We may look forward to seeing children and grandchildren grow, enjoying friendships, and having time for interests that were often neglected during working life. Yet none of us knows what lies ahead. Some do not reach old age. Others encounter illness, loss, financial hardship, or loneliness. Life remains uncertain. As Christians, however, we do not place our ultimate trust in plans, pensions, or possessions. We live day by day in the providence of God.

The Eucharist: A crisis well beyond the USA

Source: Fear of ICE has created a Eucharistic crisis - Michael Fox

Some years ago, the bishops of the Roman Catholic Church in the United States launched a National Eucharistic Revival, an initiative aimed at renewing faith in and devotion to the Eucharist. One of its principal goals was to deepen Catholics' understanding of what the Church teaches about the Real Presence of Christ in the Blessed Sacrament.

The timing was hardly accidental. In 2019, Pew Research found that only 31% of self-identified American Roman Catholics said they believed that the bread and wine used at Mass truly become the Body and Blood of Christ, while 69% regarded them as symbols. Even among Roman Catholics who attended Mass weekly, only 63% accepted the Church's teaching on the Eucharist. Clearly, there has been a disconnect between what the Church teaches and what many Catholics say they believe (even aside from what they actually believe which may not be entirely evident to themselves).