Sean McDonagh gives his reaction to the report from COP20 in Lima.
The Lima document broke with all previous COPs where the burden of reducing greenhouse gases was placed squarely on the shoulders of rich countries which historically have been emitting carbon dioxide since the beginning of the industrial revolution. In Lima poor countries felt that rich countries were attempting to move the burden of reducing carbon dioxide emissions on to their shoulders.
Reflecting on some of the issues that received intense media coverage in recent times Brendan Hoban in his Western People column concludes that “Sometimes institutions, reluctant to reform, need the shock of public humiliation to get their act together, especially when the vulnerable innocent are at risk.”
The plain truth of the matter is, Brendan states, that “In any institution or system, things go wrong, when those in positions of power are not properly supervised.”
Joshua J. McElwee, NCR’s Vatican correspondent, reports on the latest request from the Vatican in preparation for Synod 2015.
Will our bishops’ conference be better organised, and willing, this time in getting the views of ‘all levels’ of church in Ireland?
Brendan Hoban writing in the Western People says that a recent choice of bishop in the U.S might indicate that pope Francis “wants bishops with a bit more imagination and to be a bit more clued in to what’s happening in the world. Those who are good at making out the writing on the wall.”
Brendan then let’s his imagination roam ….
Paddy Ferry forwarded this article from NCR saying it is “so important and I wish our bishops in Britain and Ireland would issue a similar acknowledgement.”
Anthony Ruff OSB has posted an interesting article on www.praytellblog.com of the Brazilian bishops beginning to respond to Pope Francis’ challenge about the shortage of priests.
Any takers this side of the Atlantic?
Brendan Hoban in his weekly Western People column states that ‘Secularisation is one of those short-hand boxes that church people tick to spread the blame for the decline of religion, even to explain away situations that are often their own fault. But it’s too heavy a brush to paint in the shades and counter shades of an accurate portrait of the place of religion in Irish life today.’
Brendan Hoban in his weekly Western People column sees the refurbishment of the parish church of Moygownagh, Co. Mayo, as an act of faith in the future and a fitting tribute to the past. For the local parish community community it is a sacred place that enshrines the most precious moments of our lives.
Seamus Ahearne wonders if he serves a “fictional parish or is this how it now is? I must say I enjoy it how it is. New Missals and such language is totally irrelevant. A new language is absolutely essential. Liturgy (if it is real) connects with the experiences of the local community. It is their pictures that matter with the God of surprises.”
Brian McKee, Director, Seedlings, offers this reflection on the impact of the lives and work of Sr Frances Forde and Sr. Marie Duddy who sadly died in a road traffic accident.
A married man, Brian works with the Passionists as Director of Tobar Mhuire Retreat Centre, near Belfast, and in the parish of Holy Cross, Ardoyne in the work of peace and reconciliation. www.seedlingsireland.com
‘Synods of bishops for decades have been highly embarrassing gatherings.’
Brendan Hoban in his Western People column takes a look at the recent Synod of bishops.
‘Representatives of bishops from around the world usually gathered in Rome, dressed immaculately for the occasion and delivered set speeches – all in the knowledge that the final statement was already drafted before they had left home!’
This time it was different;
‘At the opening Francis spelled it out in no uncertain terms for delegates: debate, say what you think; don’t be afraid to speak your mind.’
Sean McDonagh continues to explore part two of The Cry of the Earth by the Irish Bishops and elaborates on our responsibility as Christians to care for creation.
What is it that makes changes to church life and practice so difficult and why does change happen so slowly? Life though is not static, life is dynamic and this implies evolution, growth and maturity.
Brian Eyre continues to reflect on priesthood in the light of his own experiences in Brazil.
On October 1st 2014, The Irish Catholic Bishops Conference launched The Cry of the Earth: A Pastoral Reflection on Climate Change. It was meant to be a call to action, but In truth there has not been much discussion of the document. Sean McDonagh stresses that we need to be more urgent in our response to Climate Change.
Chris McDonnell reflects on the recent synod.
“What’s changed?
We don’t deny the faith of earlier generations by asking that question”.
Chris is a retired head teacher having taught in London, Leeds and on Merseyside. Married with three children and eight grandchildren. He is a regular contributor to discussion in the catholic press, journals and blogs.
Fr Anthony J Butler SMA died on 16 October 2014 and was buried in Wilton, Cork on 20 October. Tony was a loyal ACP member and a frequent contributor to this site. In tribute to his passing, we re-publish his contribution of 1 August 2011 – “Looking Back and Forward”
Address of Pope Francis at end of Synod.
“… a temptation to hostile inflexibility of the so-called ‘traditionalists’ and also of the intellectuals… the temptation of the ‘do-gooders,’… of the so-called ‘progressives and liberals…’
Redemptorist Stan Mellett, who ministers in Ballyfermot, reflects on his ministry and questions if we need to refocus our efforts so the gathering will truly be the ‘people of God’ celebrating the gift of God in Jesus at the Eucharistic table.
Brendan Hoban revisits the topic of confession and ponders how it can be saved.
Kathleen McDonnell in her address at Claremorris explained why she and others in Killaloe diocese felt compelled to speak out against the introduction of the male only permanent diaconate.
Select a category in the sidebar for more posts
Select a category in the sidebar for more posts
