St. Patrick’s Day is always an important day for the Irish in New York and the 2009 St. Patrick’s Day Parade was a very special one for the Sisters of Charity. Not only was it the first time that they marched in their own congregational contingent, but the 248th parade was dedicated to the Sisters in recognition of their “200 years of dedicated service to the Poor of New York … [Read more...] about Sisters of Charity: After All These Years
Catholic
The 1930s: When Irish Catholics Changed America
Before the decade was over, America would be a vastly different nation, thanks in no small part to Irish Catholics. Nineteen hundred and twenty-eight was a dark year for Irish Catholics in America. It was, of course, the year Al Smith ran for president and lost. The anti-Catholic, anti-immigrant Ku Klux Klan played a major role in bringing down Smith, who lost “because of … [Read more...] about The 1930s: When Irish Catholics Changed America
Finucanes Demand Full Tribunal
Members of the Finucane family reacted angrily when told that the British government will not hold a public inquiry into the 1989 murder of Catholic-solicitor Pat Finucane. Seventeen years after Finucane was assassinated by UDA gunmen, the victim's family feel they are no nearer the truth. An initial review by retired Canadian judge Peter Cory concluded that there was … [Read more...] about Finucanes Demand Full Tribunal
Casey Returns to Galway
Former Bishop of Galway Dr. Eamonn Casey returned to Ireland at the start of February following 13 years in exile. Dr. Casey, 78, lived and worked in the U.S., Ecuador, Mexico, and England and has retired to the parish of Beagh near Gort in Co. Galway. "I regret that in the past I let a number of people down," he said in a rare interview with the Irish media. "It caused great … [Read more...] about Casey Returns to Galway
Communion: An Irish Catholic Childhood Remembered
It is the early spring of 1945 in the Bronx. World War II is about to end. Over fifty of us, boys and girls together, cram into our classroom. Sister Mary Herbert stands tall at the front of the room in the black robes, black veil and white headband of a Sister of Mercy. She announces: "Now that you are all seven years old and have reached the age of reason you will be … [Read more...] about Communion: An Irish Catholic Childhood Remembered