I am not the only Irish person who has fond memories of The Moving Crib in Parnell Square, a much loved and popular Dublin attraction for over sixty years. It was a family tradition that we went every year, as part of a ‘special’ day out and as children we loved it. In fact it… Read More
Author: Bernice McEvoy
Book Review: The Storyteller By Flor McCarthy SDB
“A book is a gift you can open again and again.” – Garrison Keillor The art of storytelling is as old as humankind and forms an integral part of a country’s culture and history. Children learn to love their bedtime stories and even know them by heart; adults who watch Television Soaps are daily following the storylines… Read More
Coping with Grief
In the month of November, as we pray especially for the Holy Souls, we are reminded naturally of the process of death and the grief, which accompanies it. Nearly all of us have to face the reality of death at some point in our lives and even though the loss is particular to each individual,… Read More
St Martin de Porres: Life and Celebration
On November 3rd we celebrate the feast of St Martin de Porres. But who is this saint and why is he so popular? When I first began working in St Martin Apostolate I did not really know very much at all about St Martin’s life. Over the years however I have become very familiar with… Read More
November: Month of the Holy Souls
At this time of year, in the month before December, a lot of peoples’ thoughts are turning towards Christmas. That is the particular season when the loss of loved ones will be most keenly felt in many families and circles of friends. Experiencing Loss Most of us experience loss at some time in our lives;… Read More
Losing Faith in a Secular World
There is a lovely saying from Rabindranath Tagore, the Indian poet and philosopher, ‘Faith is the bird that feels the light when the dawn is still dark.’ This of course indicates that, unlike science, there are no proofs on which faith can rely. People who believe, do so without any evidence on which to base their… Read More
My Pilgrimage to Rome and Assisi
My Pilgrimage to Rome and Assisi By Marie-Therese Cryan When my friend asked me if I would like to go on a pilgrimage to Rome and Assisi I was delighted. I had been to Rome before back in 1982 but never to Assisi. I am a huge animal lover and both St Francis and St Martin loved animals,… Read More
Venerable Matt Talbot – The Road from Despair to Redemption
The name of Matt Talbot is a very familiar one, especially to Dubliners and those of us who regularly pass through Granby Lane. However he is an inspiration to countless people and has become an icon for the Pioneer Total Abstinence Movement. Matt was born on May 2, 1856. His father was a heavy drinker… Read More
Pope Francis: A Man of His Word – Film Review
From the very beginning of this documentary film about Pope Francis by Wim Wenders it is established clearly that St Francis of Assisi is the prime inspiration. The film begins with a high angle shot of the village of Assisi and Francis himself is depicted, with scenes from his life shot in black and white…. Read More
Christianity and Helping Others – The Way of God
Christianity, not just a religion Helping Others: Christianity is not just a religion – it is a way of life. This would suggest that by our way of being and living people would know we are Christians without having to be told. Unfortunately this is so often not the case. There is the famous example… Read More
Homelessness in the City
Homelessness We are probably all familiar with the phrases ‘No place like Home’ and perhaps it is understandable that we take the concept of ‘home’ for granted but there are a lot of people who do not have the luxury of a roof over their head. Sadly the numbers are on the increase and the… Read More
Saint Martin Apostolate Supporting Trócaire
Saint Martin Apostolate has been a long standing supporter of Trócaire’s never ending efforts to improve the life of others and assist the most vulnerable in the developing world. Trócaire was established by the Catholic Church in 1973 as a way for Irish people to donate to the development and emergency relief overseas. They work… Read More