Fr Paddy
Fr Paddy is the parish priest of Abbeyleix. From Carlow town, he was educated in Carlow CBS and studied Business and Politics in Trinity College Dublin before training to be a priest in Carlow College.
He writes for a number of media outlets. He has almost 31,000 followers on Twitter.
Fr Paddy: Pope Francis – a man of his word
This week a new movie is being released in Ireland detailing the life and papacy of Pope Francis. It is certainly timely as soon...
Fr Paddy: Father John Sullivan – a Man of Healing
John Sullivan was born in Dublin on May 8, 1861. His father, the future Lord Chancellor of Ireland Sir Edward Sullivan was a Protestant....
Fr Paddy: Harvest … a Time to Encourage
There is something very fulfilling eating fresh vegetables that you have nurtured and cultivated with your own hands.
As we celebrate the beginning of harvest...
Fr Paddy: Kildare and Leighlin Pilgrimage to Lourdes – a place of serenity
St Bernadette, of Lourdes once said “If one dream should fall and break into a thousand pieces... never be afraid to pick one of...
Fr Paddy: A very clever Dog!
A wealthy man decided to go on a safari in Africa. He took his faithful pet dog along for company. One day, the dog...
Fr Paddy: The Gift and Challenges of internet according to Pope Francis
Pope Francis recently remarked that “The Internet is a gift of God, but it is also a great responsibility.” Francis says that ”Communication technology,...
Fr Paddy: ‘When one of us is threatened, we are all at risk’
A mouse looked through the crack in the wall to see the farmer and his wife open a package. “What food might this contain?”...
Fr Paddy: First Communion – Sacrament or Pantomime?
Current debate and reflection regarding school patronage is both necessary and relevant. Recent Census statistics however regarding the vast majority of citizens subscribing to...
Fr Paddy: Identify your doubt, find your mantra, take action
You don’t just wake up one morning, light streaming in from the window, birds fluttering about, and jump from your bed with exuberance declaring...
Fr Paddy: Over the coming weeks pray for young people …
I recently came across this inspirational story…..
A shop owner placed a sign above his door that said: “Puppies For Sale.”
Signs like this always have...
Fr Paddy: Bishop Curry’s royal wedding sermon emphasised the power of love
The Most Rev. Michael Curry, born in Chicago, was selected by Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, to present the sermon at their Saturday wedding...
Fr Paddy: Angels are gifts from God
Angel of God, my Guardian Dear,
To whom God’s love, commits me here,
Ever this night, be at my side,
To light and guard, to rule and...
Fr Paddy: Growing Older a Sacred Gift
Growing older brings its challenges ...... But this can be a time to relish and value...the following story I find inspirational...
An 87 Year Old...
Fr Paddy: Alfie Evans ‘A Sacred Life’
The world is mourning for Alfie Evans, a British two-year-old who this weekend passed away at Liverpool’s Alder Hey Children’s Hospital.
Alfie had an extremely...
Fr Paddy: ‘See the light of Goodness in all people’
The month of May, brings with it great beauty and certainly uplifts our spirits. As we begin this new month, take time to enjoy...
Fr Paddy: A time to vote No …
The forthcoming referendum on May 25th is fast approaching. A referendum, that calls us to reflect upon issues, that are often deeply sensitive, personal...
Fr Paddy: Remove ‘any fear of holiness’
Gaudete et Exultate
The third apostolic exhortation of Pope Francis’ pontificate, published recently is a call to holiness—simple and accessible, without being watered down or...
Fr Paddy: ‘We all respond to warmth and welcome’
We are at our best when we feel at home and at ease. This is the great Gift of the Risen Lord, just as...
Fr Paddy: Easter – ‘All is possible’
Easter 2018 brings with it a time of hope and new beginnings. Signs of continued economic recovery, growing employment bring with it a recovery...
Fr Paddy: A Time To Hope
A man found a cocoon of a butterfly. One day, a small opening appeared. He sat and watched the butterfly for several hours as...
Fr Paddy: Holy Week – a new day dawns
Next Sunday, March 25th, Palm Sunday, we begin Holy Week. Seven days, filled with Religious Symbolism and Rituals, from Washing Feet to Venerating the...
Fr Paddy: Lent – a time to pause
The cycle of liturgical seasons continues and now we find ourselves a over half way through Lent this year, days of reflection and remaking,...
Fr Paddy: Lent – a time to let go
As a man was passing the elephants, he suddenly stopped, confused by the fact that these huge creatures were being held by only a...
Fr Paddy: World Meeting of Families….
We can choose our friends but not our family. Truth is most families can be akin to the "Simpsons rather than the Waltons". Family is...
Fr Paddy: What lent is all about …
Lent brings with it a time of cutting back, which includes fasting and alms-giving. Lent in the Northern Hemisphere coincides with the Season of...
Fr Paddy: Ash Wednesday is for lovers
ASH Wednesday February 14th St. Valentine's Day, marks the beginning of Lent. Nothing says love like ashes!!!!!!!!! Traditionally, Lent brings with it a time...
Fr Paddy: Smile frequently …
During his address to the Roman Curia on the occasion of the presentation of Christmas greetings, Pope Francis affirmed, “A bit of good humor...
Fr Paddy: Spring … a time to begin again
If you have not yet done so find time in the next few days to look for the signs of spring in a garden...
Fr Paddy: Dolores O’Riordan – Iconic musical genius
Catholic musician Dolores O’Riordan, lead singer-songwriter of famed Irish band, The Cranberries, died unexpectedly at the age of 46, while in London for a...
Fr Paddy: ‘New rights’ that clash with traditional morality
At the start of a new year, the Pope dedicated his speech to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which will celebrate the 70th...