Fr. Paddy's Blog

Anytime I visit a hospital or a sick person in their home, I always have a strong sense of appreciation. Not in a selfish way, but an awareness that with the gift of health, all is possible no matter what. I also have an appreciation for the courage and resilient determination of those who carry [...]

I was greatly moved, following a visit to a wonderful couple, sixty seven years married. The mans wife had just returned home after being very ill in hospital. As I walked into their family home and their door was opened, I immediately sensed the joy and hope in this mans lovely smile. “I have her [...]

Over the past number of weeks, most Catholic Parishes throughout the country have become acquainted with the revised changes to the general liturgical responses of the Mass. From the First Sunday of Advent(27th November), the complete revision will take place. Significant changes will be made to the prayers led by the priest in the context [...]

As the New Government faces their first Budget, they do so in a very fragile, global and national economic crisis. Our hands are literally tied. Our tune is played by the International Monetary Fund, control on our national debt. Our loss of sovereignty over our economy means that, ultimately, we are controlled and governed outside [...]

The past week for me has been spent in the Holy Land, with more than 70 pilgrims from Co Carlow.
It truly was a memorable and deeply enriching experience. Walking the ancient footsteps, not just of Jesus of Nazareth, but also the ancient prophets from the Old Testament. The pilgrimage has given me a sense of [...]

I WAS greatly inspired recently by the humble gentleness of a nurse in St Luke’s Hospital, Kilkenny. I had spent time with a weary and tormented mother who had not slept for at least 48 hours. She was literally exhausted and greatly troubled because her beautiful son was seriously ill. [...]

St. Luke’s hospital, Kilkenny, recently held a mass for all who died in the hospital in the past year. Over 200 names of those who died, were read aloud; a poignant reminder of men and women, young and old, whose lives have ended. I was greatly taken by the tears and silence in the church. [...]

Recently I read with great sadness the story of a Waterford couple who appeared before the High Court in a Repossession Case of their home. The story is unfortunate and a sad reality that many can empathise with. This couple have a 17year old child with profound special needs. Both parents had lost their jobs [...]