Fr. Paddy's Blog

As we face the winter months, the deep effects of unemployment and debt are being felt heavily. Recently I was in a car park in a Dublin Hospital, and as I paid my parking fee I noticed a young couple who appeared to be very upset, crying and looking very anxious. I assumed that they [...]

One of my favourite questions when I walk into any Primary or Secondary School is “Any good news?”. Invariably the conversation lightens, faces brighten and hope is shared. In a time when so much bad news can overwhelm, perhaps the greatest gift God continues to bless us is with the gift of Faith and Hope.
I [...]

There is an old Irish saying ‘the darkest hour comes before the dawn’, that perhaps rings very true to the times we live in. I was reminded by this hopeful sentiment recently, with an early morning phone call, from a lovely couple, announcing with great joy the good news of the healthy and safe arrival [...]

Mental illness for too long has been stigmatised. Anyone who carries the cross of depression, anxiety and mental anguish lives in a fragile and dark place. A place that struggles to find meaning and at times even to remain alive. One in every three people at some stage in their lives will live with mental [...]

One of the heaviest crosses felt in Irish Society at this time, is the bleak reality of having no job. Unemployment is devastating. Not being employed is a tragic consequence of an economy that has imploded because of greed and lack of accountability. I recently called to visit a young couple, both highly qualified. Years [...]

Recent clerical changes within the Diocese of Kildare and Leighlin highlights the diminishing numbers of clergy and its consequence in terms of parishes without resident priests. This reality has been happening within this Diocese and throughout the country over many years. As the age profile of clergy increase and ordinations are a rare event, priestless [...]

The Class of 2011 have received their Leaving Certificate Results. A group of over 50,000 young people who are our future parents, professionals, leaders and indeed dreamers of this republics future. The vast majority, now begin to study in Third Level. A journey towards hopefully, employment and opportunity. I could not but help witness the [...]

British Prime Minister, Mr. David Cameron, recently recalled parliament from its summer recess in order to debate the issue of violence and criminality, that has caused such devastation on the streets of London and many other UK cities. The Prime Minister, returned home from a holiday in Tuscany, to chair a meeting of the Governments [...]