Archives
The poisoning of gypsy children in Kosovo death camps
Full text of address by Paul Polansky, from the Society for Threatened Peoples, to selected MEPs and Commissioners in Brussels.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Two hours from here by plane, in Eastern Europe, are two death camps, mainly for children under the age of six years.
If these children don’t die by the age of six, they will have ....
The Family as the Foundation of Society
Full text of addresss by Cardinal Seán Brady, Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of All Ireland at the Céifin Conference, Ennis, Co Clare
It is a particular privilege to be asked to address the Céifin Conference and, since 1997, it has become one of the best known and highly respected annual events in the country. It has generated lively debate ....
The Media: At the Crossroads between Self-Promotion and Service.
Full text of Benedict XVI message for WORLD COMMUNICATIONS DAY – Sunday 4 May 2008 –
Dear Brothers and Sisters!
1. The theme of this year’s World Communications Day – “The Media: At the Crossroads between Self-Promotion and Service. Searching for the Truth in order to Share it with Others” – sheds light on the important ....
The role of education in the new Ireland
Full text of Archbishop Diarmuid Martin's address to the NUI Convocation Centenary Annual Public Lecture at St Patrick's College Maynooth, Co. Kildare.
For many years I lived in Rome in a German institution where life ran according to a fixed schedule and a well tried routine. A peculiarity was that when it came to meals, if there were ....
"The Family Is the First and Indispensable Teacher of Peace"
VATICAN CITY, DEC. 11, 2007 (Zenit.org).- Here is a Vatican translation of Benedict XVI's message for the 41st World Day of Peace, to be celebrated Jan. 1, 2008. The message titled "The Human Family, a Community of Peace," was signed Saturday and released today.
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MESSAGE OF HIS HOLINESSPOPE BENEDICT XVIFOR THE CELEBRATION OF THEWORLD DAY ....
Society greatly benefits from educated Catholics
Full text of Pope Benedict XVI's address to the bishops of Kenya during their ad limina visit to Rome.
My dear Brother Bishops,
It is with great joy that I welcome you, the Bishops of Kenya, on your quinquennial visit to the tombs of the Apostles Peter and Paul, a visit which serves to strengthen the bonds of fraternal love and communion ....
The Secular versus Religion?
This is the full text of Bishop Donal Murray's address to the tenth Céifin Conference, on 6th November 07.
The Secular versus Religion?
The title of this talk suggests a struggle between religion and the secular, but I don’t believe that is the place to begin. The issues about the place of religion in contemporary society certainly ....
New Ireland, new Church, Dr Martin to the Irish Institute, New York
Speaking Notes of Most Rev. Diarmuid MartinArchbishop of Dublin and Primate of Irelandat Glucksman Irish House NYU, New York, 18th October 2007 for the Inaugural Irish Institute of New York Lecture.
Titles can mislead. I was happy to be able to choose the title for this lecture myself. Being a busy Archbishop I generally have ....
Archbishop Séan Brady addresses press conference on elevation to college of cardinals
Full text of Archbishop Séan Brady's address to a press conference following the announcement that he is be created a Cardinal by Pope Benedict XVI
Given in the Synod Hall, St. Patrick’s Cathedral Armagh
Wednesday 17th October 2007
Ladies & Gentlemen,
First of all, thank you for coming here. This is a day of great joy for ....
Reconciliation and respect for difference: intrinsic values in Catholic education;
Full text of the Address by Archbishop Seán Brady, Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of All Ireland on the launch of a website for the Consultative Group on Catholic Education.
St Mary’s University College, Belfast - 21 September 2007
Minister, honoured guests, and of course our very special guests here today - the girls and boys representing ....
From the treaties of Rome to the Constituional Reform Treaty
Full text of Archbishop Diarmuid Martin's address a the Pontifical Theological Academy, Krakow, Poland on the 14th September 2007
The future of Europe requires that Europe has a strong sense of its identity. A lack of cohesion, or even worse, a strong sense of disillusionment, could weaken the manner in which ....
The Parish - a new mission field
Speaking Notes of Most Rev. Diarmuid MartinArchbishop of Dublin and Primate of Ireland-------------Melbourne, 11th July 2007
I suppose that it is normal for people to ask a Bishop the question “what is the Church like” in Ireland or in Dublin or wherever the Bishop comes from.
People tend to think that I can produce in a few sound bytes a ....
Pope's Address Upon Proclaiming 4 Saints
"Friends of Jesus and Witnesses of His Holiness"
Full text of the homily delivered on Sunday 3rd June by Benedict XVI during the canonization Mass of Father George Preca, Father Szymon of Lipnica, Father Charles of Mount Argus and Mother Marie-Eugénie of Jesus.
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Dear brothers and sisters, Today we celebrate the solemnity ....
Post-Synodal Exhortation "Sacramentum Caritatis" - The Sacrament of Love
Post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation SACRAMENTUM CARITATISof the Holy Father BENEDICT XVI to the bishops, clergy, consecrated persons and the lay faithful on the Eucharist as the source and summit of the Church's life and mission
CONTENTS
Introduction [1]The food of truth [2]The development of the eucharistic rite [3]The Synod of ....
This is the full text of Benedict XVI's message for the 41st World Communications Day, 20th May 2007. Theme: "Children and the Media: A Challenge for Education" Dear Brothers and Sisters, 1. The theme of the Forty-first World Communications Day, "Children and the Media: A Challenge for Education", invites us to reflect on two related topics of ....
Alcohol: the challenge of moderation
Our struggles with alcohol
One hundred and fifty years ago, in 1856, Father Theobold Mathew passed away after a life dedicated to tackling the problems caused by the excessive use of alcohol. His founding ‘The Temperance Movement’ was to cause a huge shift away from excessive drinking in Ireland at the time. Fr James Cullen, founder of The ....
Pope's talk on the feminine presence in the Church, given during his weekly audience in St Peter's Square on 14th February 2007. Dear Brothers and Sisters: We come today to the end of the journey among the witnesses of early Christianity, mentioned in the writings of the New Testament. And we take advantage of the last stage of this first ....
A 'Discovery' of Love - Pope's message to young people for diocesan WYD
This is the Vatican translation of the message Benedict XVI wrote to young people, for the diocesan-level World Youth Day, to be observed April 1.
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"Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another" (Jn 13:34)
My dear young friends,
On the occasion of the 22nd World Youth Day that will be celebrated in the dioceses on Palm ....
Pope's analysis of the state of the world
Full text of Pope's 2007 Address on State of the World
Here is the Vatican translation of the address Benedict XVI delivered in the Vatican Apostolic Palace to members of the diplomatic corps accredited to the Holy See.
Your Excellencies,Ladies and Gentlemen,
I am pleased to welcome you here today, for this traditional ceremony in which we ....
Christian witness is a 'major' contribution to society: Dr Martin
Full text of Archbishop Diarmuid Martin's Homily at the Festival of People Mass, Pro Cathedral, 6th January 2007.
Once again this year, the Archdiocese of Dublin celebrates the Feast of theEpiphany as a Festival of Peoples. Epiphany is the feast on which the messageof salvation in Jesus Christ was addressed through the figures of the wise ....
"Great joy to be among you, my brothers in Christ!"
Full text of the Pope's Address to Patriarch Bartholomew I on 29th November at the Phanar, Istanbul during their prayer together.
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"Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity" (Ps 133:1)
Your Holiness,
I am deeply grateful for the fraternal welcome extended to me by you personally, and by the Holy Synod of the ....
From city blessed by Mary, Pope prays for peace in Holy Land
The homily of Benedict XVI at Ephesus on 29th November 2006
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
In this Eucharistic celebration we praise the Lord for Mary’s divine motherhood, a mystery solemnly confessed and proclaimed in Ephesus at the Ecumenical Council of 431.
To this place, so dear to the Christian community, my venerable predecessors the ....
Make every effort to promote dialogue, Pope tells Turkish diplomats
This is Benedict XVI's address to the Diplomatic Corps in Ankara on 28th November 2006.
* * * Your Excellencies,Ladies and Gentlemen,
I greet you with great joy, Ambassadors charged with the noble task of representing your countries to the Republic of Turkey, and assembled here in the Nunciature to meet the Successor of Peter.
I am ....
We belong to the family of those who believe in the One God
This is the full text of Benedict XVI's address to Turkey's Religious Affairs Director, Ali Bardakoglu, on 28th November 2006.
The meeting was attended by representatives of the Muslim community, among whom were the grand muftis of Ankara and Istanbul, as well as cardinals and bishops who are part of the papal entourage.
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I am ....
'Speak to the Irish of the joy of following Christ,' Pope tells Irish bishops
This is the full text of what Pope Benedict XVI said to the Irish bishops on Saturday 29th October, at the conclusion of their ad limina visit to Rome.
Dear Brother Bishops,
In the words of a traditional Irish greeting, a hundred thousand welcomes to you, the Bishops of Ireland, on the occasion of your ad Limina visit.
As you venerate the ....
Papal Message to mark the '56 Hungarian Uprising
"The Human Person . Takes Precedence Over the State"
This is the full text of Benedict XVI's message to Hungarian President László Sólyom, on the 50th anniversary of the Budapest uprising.
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To His ExcellencyMr. László SólyomPresident of the Republic of Hungary
On 23 October 1956, the courageous people of Budapest struggled to ....
Are Believers Delusional?
Full text of the radio debate between Richard Dawkins and David Quinn on the existence of God. The debate between Richard Dawkins, author of "The God Delusion," and David Quinn, columnist at the Irish Independent, took place Oct. 9 on "The Tubridy Show." The show was hosted by Ryan Tubridy and broadcast RTE Radio 1.
Tubridy: Your most ....
A good result can never justify intrinsically unlawful means
Full text of the address Benedict XVI gave on stem cell research on Sept. 16 at Castel Gandolfo to the participants in the symposium on "Stem Cells: What Future for Therapy?" organized by the Pontifical Academy for Life.
Venerable Brothers in the Episcopate and in the Priesthood,Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen,
I address a cordial ....
Benedict XVI's farewell to Bavaria
Text of Benedict XVI's address at the farewell ceremony held at Munich's international airport on 14th September 06.
Mr. Minister President,Distinguished Government Leaders and Public Authorities,Dear Cardinals and Brothers in the Episcopate,Ladies and Gentlemen!
As I leave Bavaria for Rome, I would like to say to you here present, and ....
Faith, Reason and the University
Full text of the Pope's lecture at the University of Regensburg, on 12th September 2006.
Your Eminences, Your Excellencies,Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen,
It is a moving experience for me to be back again in the university and to be able once again to give a lecture at this podium. I think back to those years when, after a pleasant period ....
Love being with the Lord, Pope tells religious in Germany
This is the full text of Pope Benedict XVI's vespers homily to religious and seminarians at Altoetting, Germany on 11th September .
Dear Friends!
Here in Altoetting, in this grace-filled place, we have gathered seminarians preparing for the priesthood, priests, men and women religious and members of the Society for Spiritual Vocations in the ....
Mary as the woman of prayer
Full text of the Pope's homily during Mass at the Kapellplatz Altoetting, Germany on 11th September 06.
Dear Brothers and Sisters!
In today's First Reading, Responsorial Psalm and Gospel, three times and in three different ways, we see Mary, the Mother of the Lord, as a woman of prayer. In the Book of Acts we find her in the midst of the ....
Go to Mass with children, Pope begs parents
Full text of Pope's address to first communicants, young families and pastoral collaborators at Munich Cathedral during vespers on 10th September 06.
Dear First Communicants!Dear Parents and Teachers!
The reading we have just heard is from the final book of the New Testament, the Book of Revelation. The seer is helped to lift his eyes upward, ....
West not hearing God, says Pope
Full text of Benedict XVI's homily during open air Mass at Munich's fairgrounds, Neue-Messe on Sunday 10th September 06.
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
First, I would like to offer all of you an affectionate greeting. I am happy to be among you once again and to celebrate Holy Mass with you. I am also happy to revisit familiar ....
Pope entrusts Bavaria to the Mother of God
Full text of Pope's address in Munich on 9th September 06 at the Virgin's Column (Mariensaeule), entrusting Bavaria to Mary.
Lady Chancellor and Mr. Minister President,Dear Lord Cardinals,Dear Brothers in the Episcopate and Priesthood,Ladies and Gentlemen,Dear Brothers and Sisters:
It is particularly moving for me to be in this most ....
Pope Benedict speaks from the heart to German media
Unabridged text of Pope Benedict XVI’s detailed interview with German media on 5th August 06. (Questions are from journalists from Bayerische Rundfunk -ARD, ZDF, Deutsche Welle and Vatican Radio .
Question: Holy Father, your next trip will be to Bavaria. During preparations for the trip your collaborators said you are nostalgic for ....
Statement from World summit of Religious Leaders at Moscow 5-7-2006
We, participants in the World Summit of Religious Leaders – heads and delegates of Christian, Muslim, Jewish, Buddhist, Hindu, and Shinto religious communities in 49 countries, met in Moscow on the eve of the Group of Eight Summit. Having at length discussed issues of mutual concern, we now appeal to the heads of states, to our religious ....
"Never grow weary of building bridges"
Full text of Benedict XVI's Address to Italian Catholic Media on 27th June 2006.
Your Eminence, Venerable Brothers in the Episcopate,Dear Brothers and Sisters in the Lord,
Today, I am pleased to meet in the Vatican with the personnel of the Catholic daily, Avvenire, of the television channel, Sat2000, of the radio broadcasting station InBlu, ....
The Spirit blows where He wills, but His will is unity
Papal Homily at Vigil With New Movements
Saturday 3rd June 2006, eve of Pentecost.
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
You have come to St. Peter's Square this evening in really large numbers to take part in the Pentecost Vigil. I warmly thank you. You belong to different peoples and cultures and represent here all the members of the ecclesial ....
The celebration of the coming World Day of Prayer for Vocations gives me the opportunity to invite the entire People of God to reflect on the theme Vocation in the mystery of the Church. The Apostle Paul writes: “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ … even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world … He ....
Message of Pope Benedict for 14th World Day of the Sick
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
The 14th World Day of the Sick will be celebrated on 11 February 2006, the liturgical Memorial of Our Lady of Lourdes. Last year the Day was celebrated at the Marian Shrine of Mvolyé, Yaoundé, and on that occasion the faithful and their Pastors, on behalf of the whole African Continent, reaffirmed their pastoral ....
'Deus Caritas Est' - God is Love, Benedict XVI's first encyclical letter
This is the full text of Pope Benedict XVI's first encyclical: Deus Caritas Est - God is Love.
INTRODUCTION
1. “God is love, and he who abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him� (1 Jn 4:16). These words from the First Letter of John express with remarkable clarity the heart of the Christian faith: the Christian image of God and ....
Message from Pope Benedict XVI for the World Day of Peace
IN TRUTH, PEACE
1. In this traditional Message for the World Day of Peace at the beginning of the New Year, I offer cordial greetings and good wishes to men and women everywhere, especially those who are suffering as a result of violence and armed conflicts. My greeting is one filled with hope for a more serene world, a world in which more and ....
Pope's Homage on Solemnity of Immaculate Conception
Prayer of His Holiness Benedict XVI to Our Lady, vwhen he visited the statue of the Blessed Virgin in Rome's Piazza di Spagna on Thursday, 8th December 2005.
"On this day dedicated to Mary I have come, for the first time as Successor of Peter, to the feet of the statue of the Immaculate here in Piazza di Spagna, ideally continuing the ....
Papal Address to Conference on Genome
Full text of the address Benedict XVI gave on 19th November to the participants at the international conference organized by the Pontifical Council for Health Care Workers on the theme of the human genome.
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Your Eminence,Venerable Brothers in the Episcopate and in the Priesthood,Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen,
I address my cordial ....
Vocations and people with homosexual tendencies - Vatican Document
This is the full text of the Instruction concerning the criteria for the discernment of vocations with regard to people with homosexual tendencies in view of their admission to the seminary and to Holy Orders.
Introduction In continuity with the teaching of the Second Vatican Council and, in particular, with the ....
Final message of the Synod of Bishops
The final message of the Eleventh Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops was made public today. The document, entitled "The Eucharist: Living Bread for the Peace of the World," has been published in several languages, given below are extracts from the English-language version:
"Called to Rome by Pope John Paul II, of venerable ....
Benedict XVI to young people at concluding Mass of World Youth Day
Dear young friends,
Yesterday evening we came together in the presence of the Sacred Host, in which Jesus becomes for us the bread that sustains and feeds us (cf. Jn 6:35), and there we began our inner journey of adoration. In the Eucharist, adoration must become union. At the celebration of the Eucharist, we find ourselves in the ....
Will Ireland be Christian by 2030?
Full text of the address delivered by Archbishop Diarmuid Martin at the Patrick MacGill Summer School, Glenties on the 18th July 2005 "A few weeks ago I was surprised by a remark on a German television talk show by Gregor Gysi, the leader of the German Communist Party, who when asked about his worries about German society ....
The value of holidays
Full text of Pope Benedict XVI’s address before the midday Angelus at the Alpine village of Les Combes in Northern Italy where the Pope is on holidays.
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Dear Brothers and Sisters!
I have been here for a few days, in the marvelous mountains of Val d'Aosta, where the memory is still alive of my beloved predecessor John Paul II, ....
Politicians must seek the genuine good of the community says Primate
Text of Dr Sean Brady's address in Milan on "Religious identity, national identity: citizens or believers?" on 23rd May 2005. Your Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen, In his poem, The Republic of Conscience, the Irish Poet Laureate Seamus Heaney reflects on his status as a ‘dual citizen’ of a place where, in his words, ‘no ....
Pope Benedict XVI's first message to the Church
The full text of Pope Benedict XVI's first message which he delivered yesterday at the end of Mass in the Sistine chapel.
"Grace and peace in abundance to all of you! In my soul there are two contrasting sentiments in these hours. On the one hand, a sense of inadequacy and human turmoil for the responsibility entrusted to me ....
'Put out into the deep'
Pope John Paul’s message for the ‘World day of Prayer for Vocations'
17th April 2005
Venerable Brethren in the Episcopate,dearest Brothers and Sisters!
1. "Duc in altum!" At the beginning of the Apostolic Letter Novo millennio ineunte, I made reference to the words with which Jesus encourages the first disciples to let down their nets for ....
“I am all yours� – Testament of John Paul II
The full text of the spiritual testament of John Paul II, dated 6th March 1979, and successive addition.
"Totus Tuus ego sum" In the Name of the Most Holy Trinity. Amen. "Watch therefore, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming" (cf. Mt 24, 42) - these words remind me of the last call, which will ....
'Stay with us, Lord' - Pope's Easter message, 2005
Full text of Pope's message for Easter 2005, read on his behalf by Cardinal Sodano at the end of Easter Sunday Mass in St. Peter's Square.
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1. "Mane nobiscum, Domine!" Stay with us, Lord! (cf. Luke 24:29). With these words, the disciples on the road to Emmaus invited the mysterious Wayfarer to stay with them, as the sun was setting on ....
Pope's letter to priests for Holy Thursday 2005
This is the full text of John Paul II's letter to priests for Holy Thursday 2005
Dear Priests!
1. In this Year of the Eucharist, I particularly welcome our annual spiritual encounter for Holy Thursday, the day when Christ's love was manifested "to the end" (John 13:1), the day of the Eucharist, the day of our priesthood.
My thoughts turn to ....
Rapid Development
This is the full text of John Paul II's recent apostolic letter: Rapid Development
1. The rapid development of technology in the area of the media is surely one of the signs of progress in today’s society. In view of these innovations in continuous evolution, the words found in the Decree of the Second Vatican Ecumenical Council, Inter ....
Stay with us, O Lord
This is the full text of Bishop Patrick Walsh’s Lenten pastoral letter: Stay with us oh Lord
My Pastoral Letter last Lent was a reflection on some aspects of the Eucharist, based on the Encyclical "The Eucharist in its relationship to the Church" which the Pope had issued on the previous Holy Thursday. Reflection on the Eucharist, on ....
Towards Healing
This is the full text of the Irish Bishops' Conference reflection for Lent published 9th February 2005.
On Ash Wednesday we pray, Father in heaven, the light of your truth bestows sight to the darkness of sinful eyes. May this season of repentance bring us the blessing of your forgiveness and the gift of your lightthrough Christ our ....
Pope's message for World Day of the Sick 11.02.05
This is the text of John Paul II’s message for the 13th World Day of the Sick, which is being held this year at the Shrine of Mary Queen of the Apostles at Yaounde, Cameroon on 11th February 2005.
Christ, hope for Africa 1. After ten years, in 2005, Africa will once again be hosting the principal celebrations for World Day of the Sick ....
This is the full text of Archbishop Diarmuid Martin's homily at the inaugural service for the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity on 18h January 2005, which was held for the first time this year, in Saint Finian’s Lutheran Church in Dublin “The foundation and presupposition of justification is in the incarnation, ....
Message of the Holy Father John Paul II for the 2005 World Day of Peace, January 1, 2005 Do Not Be Overcome by Evil, but Overcome Evil with Good 1. At the beginning of the New Year, I once again address the leaders of nations and all men and women of good will, who recognize the need to build peace in the world. For the theme of this 2005 ....
Pope's Christmas 'Urbi et Orbi' greeting
This is the text of the pope's traditional 'Urbi et Orbi' greeting on Christmas day.
"Christus natus est nobis, venite, adoremus!" Christ is born for us: come, let us adore him! On this solemn day we come to you, tender Babe of Bethlehem. By your birth you have hidden your divinity in order to share our frail human nature. In the light of faith, ....
The Christian in the public square
Full text of Archbishop Diarmuid Martin’s lecture delivered as the R.T.E. Michael Littleton Lecture 2004 on the 2nd December 2004. The lecture will be broadcast on RTE radio 1 on 27th December at 1.30pm
“It is of supreme importance, especially in a pluralistic society, to work out a proper vision of the relationship between the ....
The Pope's apostolic letter for the year of the Eucharist
This is the text of the Pope's apostolic letter for the year of the Eucharist, "Mane Nobiscum Domine" – Stay with us, O Lord.
INTRODUCTION
1. "Stay with us, Lord, for it is almost evening" (cf. Lk 24:29). This was the insistent invitation that the two disciples journeying to Emmaus on the evening of the day of the resurrection ....
Archbishop Martin on 75 years of diplomatic relations with Holy See
This is the text of Archbishop Diarmuid Martin's talk on the occasion of the 75th Anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Ireland and the Holy See, on 12th November 2004 in Rome. "We are all indebted to Professor Keogh for his presentation here this afternoon and for his original work over the ....
Addressing the National Conference of Priests of Ireland on Tuesday, the Archbishop of Dublin, Most Rev. Diarmuid Martin called on priests to be first of all evangelizers and witnesses. Pointing to the drop in religious practise, which in some parishes was as low as 1%, and yet the extraordinary faith still to be found in ....
On Sunday last, Pope John Paul II sent a message to the Irish to mark the 25th anniversary of his visit to the country. In it he spoke of his pleasure to learn that the Irish bishops were organising commemorations of his visit, and recalled with joy, his various meetings with the Irish people and the welcome he had recieved. During that ....
Pope John Paul II has urged the Irish people to retain the human and religious values that have shaped their history so that the country's "remarkable economic growth" will not bring a "spiritual impoverishment." The Pope expressed these thoughts last Saturday while meeting the new ambassador to the Holy See, ....
Chairing a forum on “War and Peace in Northern Ireland: the voices of the faithful� at an International Meeting in Milan on Monday, Archbishop Diarmuid Martin referred to the North as a 'workshop of reconciliation'. He paid tribute to the years of common witness by Church leaders there who appeared together in strife-torn communities, ....
Speaking at the opening of The Merriman Summer School last weekend, Archbishop Diarmuid Martin called on Irish people to create a culture of generous welcome towards the ‘New Irish’ in our land, and to take the risk of faith. Addressing the theme 'Orthodoxies and Heresies: The New Ireland and its Sacred Cows', ....