Columnists
Fr Paddy: The more at peace we are within ourselves, the more at peace...
Pope Francis often refers to the “Poison of Gossip”. Passing on bad news is negative and toxic.
The more at peace we are within...
From the Archives – Pat Critchley: Priceless memories from working on the bog
This Pat Critchley piece originally appeared on LaoisToday in 2017
Long before the Spanish sun holidays became the norm, we had the bog. It was...
Fr Paddy: Our model of church, as we know it, is dying rapidly
The Irish Bishop's conference has initiated a year of prayer for vocations to the diocesan priesthood.
Prayer and priesthood are closely connected. Priesthood ultimately...
Fr Paddy: Spread the faith…
Recent fine weather has given us an opportunity to refresh and renew. It amazes me, how we awaken with such hope and energy because...
Fr Paddy: ‘Empathy and kindness bring friendship and love’
In his recent Easter message, Pope Francis, reminds us “God loves us as we are, in our own unique way, our Creator, delights in...
Fr Paddy: Easter – All is new
Easter is a wonderful time of year. Nature, reflects the transformation, from darkness into light.
New green leaves, spring blossoms and brighter days lift our...
Fr Paddy: How often do we find ourselves thinking where has time gone?
How often do we find ourselves thinking where has time gone?
Already in 2023, we have moved from the darkness of winter into the...
Fr Paddy: Celebrating Pope Francis on his tenth anniversary
Pope Francis recently celebrated his 10th anniversary since becoming leader of the Catholic Church.
His leadership is a remarkable one. Actions always speak louder than...
Fr Paddy: A mother’s love is a blessing
Sure I love the dear silver that shines in your hair. Does anyone recognise that song? An old, old Irish favourite, Mother Machree.
I...
Fr Paddy: St Patrick … Pray for us
It's hard to believe, three years ago, a national lockdown commenced, as we endured the fear and anxiety, that's part of a pandemic.
That's why...
Fr Paddy: Time to think again
Jesus wasn’t “laid back”. He had a sense of urgency about him, and he communicated that to others, especially his immediate followers. Why? Because...
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: 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...
Peavoy Financial Planning: Tax-saving opportunities for the self-employed
Every year, thousands of self-employed people across Ireland use a pension as a great way of reducing their tax liability.
It is easy, efficient, and...
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...
