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: Early Spring – A time of hope
As the evenings lengthen and new signs of life appear in our gardens we welcome a new Spring.
The following ancient story tells how the...
Fr Paddy: Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent
February 22, Ash Wednesday, marks the beginning of Lent. This is a season of reflection that leads us towards the three days of the...
Fr Paddy: Random tales of wisdom
How do you handle adversity? What are you thinking when the sun goes down on those cold, windy nights, when you're trying to get...
Fr Paddy: Deep breath of peace
Once upon a time, a long, long time ago, an elderly man was taking a walk along the beach. He was relaxed and content.
The...
Fr Paddy: St Brigid’s National Holiday
I love this time of year, a time to embrace brighter evenings and early mornings. Already there are signs of the new spring. Snowdrops,...
Fr Paddy: Reflection enriches life
St. Ignatius of Loyola’s (1491-1556) great insight came while he was convalescing after a serious injury.
God was communicating within him through his daydreams initially,...
Fr Paddy: Six helpful suggestions for getting through Blue Monday
The third Monday of January 2023 has been branded Blue Monday.
It begins what many describe as the most depressing week of the year. It...
Fr Paddy: Pope Benedict XVI … A humble servant of the Lord
In the annals of papal history, Joseph Ratzinger, who has died aged 95, will be remembered principally as the first pope in 600 years...
Fr Paddy: The gift … The Christmas Child
Christmas 2022 is here. Yet another year has passed with all its many changes and immense challenges. Yet, the Christmas message remains timeless.
‘The Word...
Fr Paddy: Céad míle fáilte
We are about to celebrate Christmas once again. I'm sure for the vast majority, this Christmas, will be greatly enhanced as we live in...
Fr Paddy: The gift of generosity this Christmas
Time moves by very quickly, where has 2022 gone? I sincerely pray that the Lords rich blessing will be given to you and your...
Fr Paddy – Christmas 2022, a time to prioritise
In the northern hemisphere, Christmas comes in an extraordinary time of the year.
In our most vulnerable and darkest days, we are invited to indulge in...
Fr Paddy: Advent … A time to be patient
It should be no secret to anyone that we do not know the date of Christ’s birth, and so the Church baptised a Pagan...
Fr Paddy: Finding balance on social media
Social media is a great thing. It’s a very clever use of technology which allows us to connect with a wide circle of people...
Fr Paddy Byrne: The weight of the glass
The Art of 'Letting Go' is about deciding to stop making the same mistakes and choosing to take a different path.
It has been said...
Fr Paddy: Discern and change we must ….
Recently, Cardinal Mario Grech, speaking in relation to the universal Synod warned against “The Danger of Keeping Silent”.
The Synodal process is a time for...
Fr Paddy: Eternal Rest Grant To Them Lord …
Halloween did not come from Hollywood but rather its origins are strongly connected to ancient Celtic roots.
In Celtic Ireland, about two millennia ago, Samhain...
Fr Paddy: I was hungry and you gave me food
Hunger is a problem that has plagued humanity for millennia, and it continues to haunt us.
The United Nations and World Food Programme 2021 report,...
Fr Paddy: Lord increase our Faith – four steps to help
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: What is peace of mind? Seven tips to help you attain it
Peace of mind, is a feeling of being safe or protected, it is the absence of worry. It’s achieving a calm state of mind...
Fr Paddy: Our Guardian Angels are always closeby
Steve Montgomery was headed home from a painting job when something crazy happened. As he drove down the interstate, he noticed what looked like...
Fr Paddy: It is time for ordination of Women Deacons
The recent National Synthesis document, followed extensive consultation with thousands of Irish Catholics across the island since last October and culminating in reports published...
Fr Paddy: Queen Elizabeth – An iconic Christian
These are historic times. The death of Queen Elizabeth II has brought with it a huge outpouring of grief and sympathy, for a life...
Fr Paddy: Living in the present moment
One day a man walked past a camp of elephants. Looking closer, he was surprised to see that these mighty animals weren’t held in...
Fr Paddy: Life is our greatest teacher
It's hard to believe that it's back to school time again. This has been a wonderful summer and I do hope that all school...
Fr Paddy: Together we are stronger
There has been much discussion and commentary, regarding the publication of the synthesis of feedback from our national Synod.
The synod is a process, initiated...
Fr Paddy: Brother Kevin … A living Saint
A small number of public figures are instantly recognisable by their first name. One of them is Brother Kevin, the founder of the Capuchin...
Fr Paddy: Time to think – God is with us
A minister passing through his church in the middle of the day decided to pause by the altar and see who had come to...
Fr Paddy: The power of prayer and the importance of slowing down
The following is a profound and yet very real story, told in relation to our human need in times of crisis as we turn...
Fr Paddy: Harvest Thanksgiving
Time seems to be moving extremely quickly. It's hard to believe that August has arrived.
This is a wonderful time of year when harvest begins...