1813 brought the first test of the right of free religious practice and expression in the United States. The famous case, People v. Philips, which eventually solidified the priest-penitent evidentiary privilege that protects the privacy of information given during confession, was argued in New York City on behalf of the growing Catholic population by the exiled Irish Protestant … [Read more...] about 200 Years of People v. Philips and Religious Freedom
Education
Stopping the Famine Trigger – Phytophthora infestans
A pathogen called Phytophthora infestans has long been recognized as the cause of the Irish Potato Famine, which led to over one million deaths. But until recently, scientists were unsure of exactly how it subverted the natural immune system of the crop and wreaked such rampant failure. A new study published in Nature Genetics uncovers the process by which Phytophthora cripples … [Read more...] about Stopping the Famine Trigger – Phytophthora infestans
Molloy College Celebrates St. Brigid’s Day
On February 2, Molloy College’s Irish Studies Institute held its first St. Brigid’s Day Celebration – a fun afternoon of songs and stories that held the promise of exciting things to come for this fledgling Irish Studies program. St. Brigid’s Day, a Christian feast day, has its roots in the ancient Celtic festival of Imbolc, which signaled the start of spring. On Imbolc, Druid … [Read more...] about Molloy College Celebrates St. Brigid’s Day
A Building in Commissioner Kelly’s Name
New York City Police Commiss-ioner Ray Kelly is to have a building at his alma mater Manhattan College named in his honor. The commissioner, the grandson of Irish immigrants, graduated from Manhattan College in 1963. Kelly was the guest of honor at the building’s groundbreaking ceremony on December 13. The five-story, 70,000 square-foot Raymond W. Kelly ’63 Student Commons, … [Read more...] about A Building in Commissioner Kelly’s Name
Galway University Dinner a Smashing Success
On Thursday, November 1, the National University of Ireland, Galway hosted its 6th annual Gala Dinner at the Metropolitan Club in New York City. This year’s event honored two graduates: Michael P. Higgins, Galway graduate, 1982 and managing director of Real Estate Finance, CIBC World Markets, and Academy Award-winning actress and honorary Galway graduate Anjelica Huston. The … [Read more...] about Galway University Dinner a Smashing Success