Patsy McGarry

Patsy McGarry

Contributor

Patsy McGarry is a contributor to The Irish Times having spent over 25 years as the paper's Religious Affairs Correspondent. He previously reported for Magill magazine, the Irish Press, the Irish Independent and the Sunday Independent. He is the author of First Citizen: Mary McAleese and the Irish Presidency.

This is a tough time of year, so stop making it harder for yourself

In a word ... resolutions

Nostradamus’s predictions for 2026: what does it mean for the war in Ukraine?

Of course, all of it depends on whose interpretation (if any) you choose to believe

Archbishop Eamon Martin ‘saddened’ by online Christian commentators ‘armed for battle’

Catholic Primate of Ireland: Christians who dismiss others because of perceived differences ‘particularly disappointing’

The first quarter of the 21st century is nearly over. How quaint the millennium bug feels now

In a Word ... Retrospect

‘I’m an honorary Irishman now – a black Paddy’: Nigerian priest on his ‘reverse mission’ to Mayo

Fr Victor Akongwale describes himself as ‘a Catholic of Irish descent, as Nigeria is’

Mother a God: how Mary and Joseph found room at the inn

Mary was convinced the inn keeper had turned them away because they were from Nazareth

Anti-Semitism report will detail ‘over 100 incidents of hatred’, chief rabbi says

Chief rabbi says ‘trend is clear’, though not every Jewish person in Ireland shares negative experience

Forget Utopia – paralysis reigns in this, the most populous place on Earth

In a Word ... Inertia

Ireland’s Catholic bishops criticised for silence on Vatican extending ban on women deacons

Group calls it ‘shocking’ that Vatican commission believes ‘masculinity of Christ is integral part of sacramental identity’

The immaculate misconception: today’s Catholic feast day is not what you think it is

It is frequently assumed to be about the conception of Jesus to a supposed virgin. Not so

‘Justice was done,’ says Willow Park abuse survivor after ex-teacher Peter Kelly jailed for 10 years

‘At 11 years of age I never stood a chance,’ says original complainant who first made allegations to the south Dublin school 25 years ago

No women deacons in the Catholic Church, Vatican Commission decides

Argument against female deacons includes wish to preserve ‘masculinity of Christ’ and of those who receive holy orders

Have you noticed this is one of the most significant days of the year?

In a word ... Expectation

In a Word... Birthday

It’s probably time I decided what to do when I grow up: assume a role, be somebody/something

Dublin’s Catholic Archdiocese faces financial woes as priests age and Mass numbers decline

Country’s biggest archdiocese says its cash reserves will be exhausted by 2041 and it is facing 70% fewer priests

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