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 midsummer – since the Neolithic era.

THIS week, more than 150 events nationwide will celebrate Ireland’s 600,000+ family carers during national carers week (8-14 June). Carers week has a simple but powerful message: ‘Thank you for caring.

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 the vulnerable.

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 artificial intelligence.

THERE is a very beautiful stained-glass window, over the choir loft, in the parish church in Abbeyleix. The window depicts the glorious Ascension of Our Lord Jesus Christ into heaven.

POPE Leo X1V has almost reached the first year of his papacy. I suggest this has been a remarkable year, in his witness for Jesus Christ and in his gentle yet fearless concern for the people of God throughout the world.

GOING to bed on 7 April, for many, brought with it tension and worry as the threat of global war made us all feel very vulnerable. Thankfully, time has been given to prioritise necessary negotiation and, please God, reconciliation.

EASTER 2026 finds itself in the context of a troubling war in the Middle East. The sacred and holy city of Jerusalem has felt the consequences.

IN recent times, there has been much commentary regarding a gentle reawakening and appreciation of the Christian faith. In Paris, London and Dublin, record numbers of adults are being baptised this Easter.

SOON, we will enter into the rich tradition of observing Holy Week. A week that embraces every aspect of the human story, from joy to sorrow, despair to hope, from darkness into light.

TODAY we celebrate our national holiday, St Patrick's day. The origin of these festivities belong to our rich Christian heritage, which Patrick himself fanned into flame.

Change happens from within.

If you don’t read this to the very end, you have lost a day in your life.

LENT 2026 is a sacred season that invites humanity to enter a time of prayer, fasting, almsgiving and deeper conversion.

St Fintan of Clonenagh, also known as Fintan of Laois, is the saint most closely associated with Co Laois,

ONE of the fundamental tasks of the Christian faith is to communicate well. The early disciples were invited to go and tell The Good News. I'm inspired by the life of Bishop Fulton Sheen.

AS we begin the early pathway of a new year, wisdom suggests walking easy, taking each step at a time. Like every new year, 2026 brings an invitation to begin again.

IN the Book of Numbers, the Lord instructs Moses on how to bless His people: "The Lord bless you and keep you. The Lord let his face shine upon you and be gracious to you. The Lord look upon you kindly and give you peace. " (Nm 6:24-26).

CHRISTMAS 2025 concludes for Christians a jubilee year of hope. I pray that this Christmas will be filled with health of body and peace of mind for all of you and your loved ones.

THESE days, we find ourselves plunged into the depths of winter darkness. Nature seems to have fallen asleep and, yet, in its raw and empty silence, creation continues to inspire hope and contemplation.