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American Pietà……. Father Mychal (Michael) Judge, OFM
This month, September marks the 25th anniversary, of the brutal terrorist attack, on the twin tower buildings, New York, that changed lives forever. While time has moved quickly, the loss and...
View ArticleSt. Francis of Assisi 800th anniversary
St. Francis of Assisi (Giovanni di Pietro di Bernardone) died on the evening of October 3, 1226 (around age 44), at the Porziuncola near Assisi; his feast day is October 4th. This year marks the 800th...
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Back to School
Life’s greatest classroom isn’t a lecture hall—it’s the messy, beautiful journey of living itself. Every joy, every heartbreak, every quiet moment of doubt carries a lesson if we’re willing to listen....
View ArticleDolly Parton an iconic Christian
Dolly Parton (January 19, 1946 – August 25, 2026) lived a life that, viewed through a Christian lens, shines as a vivid testimony of God’s grace meeting human grit, creativity, and generosity. She died...
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Britain’s prime minister called for serious reflection …
Britain’s prime minister called for serious reflection after a leading Cambridge Black professor who faced a storm of plagiarism accusations died tragically, days after resigning from a prestigious...
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Lourdes and Laois
Lourdes is a sacred place that continues to inspire hope and healing. A recent visit by Graiguecullen parish of over 300 people reminds me of the sacred connection between Laois and Lourdes. Soon Pope...
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Hold On To Hope…. Inspirational Lives
I’m very conscious of over 60,000 Leaving Cert students, as we move towards results time. Huge emphasis can be placed on the number of points received and the various college courses that will be...
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Mayo for Sam…….
What do a former US president, the Canadian prime minister and two of the world’s biggest rock stars have in common? They’re all celebrating. Mayo overcame a 75-year-old ‘curse’ and finally broke its...
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The Ulma Family
I was greatly inspired recently by the story of the Ulma family, patrons of family life and the unborn child. In a world overshadowed by terror and brutality, the story of Józef and Wiktoria Ulma and...
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The Donkey in the Well
One day a farmer’s donkey fell into a well. The animal cried piteously for hours as the farmer tried to figure out what to do. Finally, he decided the animal was old, and the well needed to be covered...
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Sr. Helen and the death penalty
Much focus these days is on the United States of America. The U.S. hosts this very enjoyable World Cup, true to form the various stadia are exuberant and very big in every sense of the word! The...
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A Saintly Addict
Addiction is a lived reality for many good people. The life story of an Irish man and his recovery is an inspirational one. Matt Talbot was born May 1856 in Dublin Ireland. He was one of twelve...
View ArticleThe Cuckoo Song
The cuckoo is an extraordinary bird. It’s first soundings are warmly greeted as its song reminds us that winter has passed and much brighter days ahead. Here in Abbeyleix local bog walk, the cuckoo’s...
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The brightest days of the year
Soon the summer solstice will take place. This is when the sun is at its furthest point from the equator, making it the longest day of the year. It has been marked as the high point of summer – or...
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Thank You for Caring
This week, more than 150 events nationwide will celebrate Ireland’s 600,000+ family carers during National Carers Week 2026 (June 8–14). Carers Week 2026 has a simple but powerful message: ‘Thank you...
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St. Peter Claver and Lampedusa
Soon, Pope Leo XIV will travel to the Sicilian island of Lampedusa, returning to a place that has become one of the most powerful symbols of the migrant crisis and the Church’s call to solidarity with...
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Magnifica Humanitas (The Grandeur of Humanity)
Pope Leo XIV, recently published the first encyclical, major teaching letter, of his papacy. The letter, Magnifica Humanitas (The Grandeur of Humanity) is aimed at safeguarding humanity at a time of...
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The Monkey Trap & Pentecost
This week, we celebrate the great feast of Pentecost. The outpouring of the Holy Spirit isn’t something that just happened in the distant past but continues to be relevant and available for all our...
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Ascension. A Time for Going Home
There is a very beautiful stained-glass window, over the choir loft, in our parish church, here in Abbeyleix. The window depicts the glorious Ascension of our Lord Jesus Christ into heaven. It tells...
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‘Bring flowers of the Rarest’
Recently thousands of people walked the annual Darkness into Light memorial. It is a magnificent moment of solidarity emphasizing together we are stronger. Faith and spirituality enhance our well-being...
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