In the 1950s, the Bronx was a melting pot of immigrants and first-generation families: Jewish, Italian, and Irish alike. Peter Quinn shares his story of what it was like to be a Bronx Irish Catholic, commonly referred to as a B.I.C. “Breathes there the man, with soul so dead, / Who never to himself hath said, / This is my own, my native land! / Whose heart hath ne’er within … [Read more...] about Recollections of a Bronx Irish Catholic
Irish Catholic
Frank & Al
A new book by Terry Golway on the developing Democratic party through the lens of F.D.R. and Al Smith. Review by Dave Lewis ℘℘℘ Frank and Al: FDR, Al Smith, and the Unlikely Alliance and Epic Feud that Created the Modern Democratic Party by Terry Golway allows readers to see the massive change to the Democratic party that both Franklin Delano Roosevelt and Al Smith ushered in … [Read more...] about Frank & Al
The Pope’s Visit to Ireland
When I was growing up in the 1980s, a photo of Pope John Paul II hung above many Irish fireplaces. That pope held a special place in Irish Catholics’ hearts, as he was the first and only pope ever to visit the country. He visited in 1979. There wasn’t another papal visit until this summer when Pope Francis came for the World Meeting of Families. He arrived in Dublin on … [Read more...] about The Pope’s Visit to Ireland
A Man of Faith
Cardinal Seán Brady, Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of All Ireland, pays tribute to a man of faith who made a difference in the lives of others ℘℘℘ Few Irish-American Catholics have done more good works in one lifetime than Bill Flynn and have received more gestures of respect and recognition. It has been a privilege and pleasure to know him and to pay him a well-deserved … [Read more...] about A Man of Faith
Catholic Growth Continues
in Northern Census
The latest census for Northern Ireland indicates that the numerical gap between Protestants and Catholics is steadily narrowing. According to this year's figures Protestants comprise 53 percent of the population in the North with Catholics making up 44 percent. The census tallies with a familiar trend of a growing Catholic community with the number of Protestants in … [Read more...] about Catholic Growth Continues
in Northern Census