Blog Post Archive

Some Reflections on Helen Waddell’s Verse Rendering of Adoro Te Devote

As students prepare for the start of a new academic year, friend of the Catholic Chaplaincy at Queen's University, Fr Stephen Langridge, offers some thoughts on the important role chaplaincies play in forming 'missionary disciples'

An appreciation of Miss E (Lily) McCormick by Fr Joseph Gunn

Throughout the world, Catholic higher education rightly turns for inspiration to St. John Henry Newman for his collection of discourses drawn together as The Idea of a University (1852).

CK19, The Knights of St Columbanus at QUB, was delighted to facilitate an online talk delivered by Michael Kelly, Editor of The Irish Catholic newspaper.

The Basilica is among the city's most important historical sites, and is renowned for its spectacular mosaics and frescoes, 4th century basilica and 1st century pagan temple. It has a history long intertwined with Irish Dominicans, and may even have a connection with St Patrick.

This material was first published by Round Hall Limited in (2009) 12 (2) Irish Journal of Family Law 33 and is reproduced by agreement with the Publishers

‘. . . The unfolding of a life in acts of freedom, in varying experiences of fragmentation, inrebellion against mortality, and in partial integration through meaning and purpose, point totime as a crucial but ambivalent feature of all human experience’ Professor James McEvoy

‘What are these universities now if not the tombs of God – monuments to the death of Godwithin an academic culture?’

The Ambrose Macaulay Memorial Lecture

In this piece written exclusively for QUBCatholic, Estelle Haan, Emerita Professor of English and Neo-Latin Studies at Queen’s University, reflects on Milton’s contribution to bridging religious divides during his time in seicento Italy.

Br Chris Gault OP is a Queen’s alumnus and friend of Chaplaincy who, before entering religious life with the Dominican Order, served as a medical doctor in Belfast. He generously answered the call to return to the frontline to assist the NHS during the Coronavirus pandemic.

Leading academic and author, Professor John Loughlin, writing exclusively for QUBCatholic, reflects on the concept of human dignity in the modern Irish context.

Advent marks the beginning of the Church's Liturgical Year. In this episode Frs reminisce over Advents past and encourage us all to use this time of preparation to receive the Lord into our hearts and homes at Christmas.

Frs Damian, Dominic and Conor discuss the life and legacy of Woman of Faith. St Catherine of Siena, St Therese of Lisieux and St Joan of Arc are but a few examples of women, with great courage, who have followed the footsteps of Mary in saying 'yes.'

Rediscovering your Faith is a moment of joy and hope. In this episode Frs Damian, Dominic and Conor respond to a email they received from a listener: what practical steps can we take to cultivate our relationship with God, especially if we have been distant from Him in the past.

Emily Nelson, a recent pharmacy graduate at QUB, reflects on how Chaplaincy made a good university experience great!

Dublin artist, Eve Parnell, explores the role of the artist in deciphering truth.

In this second episode Fr Eugene O'Hagan shares the story and success of 'The Priests', the signing trio that rose to fame fifteen years past. Since then, 'The Priests' have released four studio albums and toured the world, bringing joy to many with their talent.

Marcella Walsh is a QUB alumna and award-winning soprano, currently singing with Scottish Opera. Marcella shares with us her reflections on the Chaplaincy Choir visit to Newman University Church in Dublin and our liturgical music workshop.

In this first of two episodes, Fr Eugene chats with Frs Damian, Dominic and Conor about his early life, vocation and love for music.

Fr Tim shares his story of those wonderful, blessed days during the Summer of two years past.

Brett Lockhart says the Pro Life movement in NI should examine why its arguments were not listened to.

Fr Tim chats with Frs Damian, Dominic and Conor about growing up in North Belfast during the Troubles and his vocation

Frs discuss the life of St francis of Asissi and reflect how we today can be inspired and encouraged by his example

The Catholic Chaplaincy at Queen’s University Belfast responds to the Gospel daily, writes Martin O’Brien

It’s a difficult thing to hand on what you haven’t necessarily got in the first place

Cistercians choose a monastic way of life characterised by quiet solitude.

This week Frs Damian, Dominic and Conor reflect on their experience of Catholic post-primary school.

Married during 'lockdown', newlyweds Kevin and Laura share their story of love and faith with the Home from Rome podcast team.

It is in prayer we find the resources to build our towers and wage our battles, writes Fr Dominic McGrattan

Can Catholic parishes, schools and colleges become vibrant, mission-focused communities? The answer is a resounding yes, says Laura Whinnery, and Alpha can help move them in that direction.

With its chapel recently reopened after renovation, Fr Dominic McGrattan explains how the Mater Hospital's distinctive ethos has helped make it a beacon of light in Belfast for more than 130 years

Ash Wednesday and St Valentine's Day fall on the same day next week, posing a challenge for the couple who loves God. Meeting it could mean helping 'each other to heaven', says Fr Dominic McGrattan.

A new lifeline for those experiencing poverty and homelessness in Belfast opened last night as St Patrick's Church started its soup kitchen ministry. Fr Dominic McGrattan explains the inspiration for this concrete act of mercy

Avoid the temptation this Lent to confuse being 'spiritual' with the pursuit of authentic holiness, urges Fr Dominic McGrattan

Dominic McGrattan - inspired by his mother and sister - appeals for a feminism that is pro-life.

The Christian pro-life position is eminently reasonable, argues Fr Dominic McGrattan

Holocaust Memorial Day will be observed on Sunday, the anniversary of the liberation of the Auschwitz concentration camp on January 27 1945. Fr Dominic McGrattan reflects on the catastrophe of that genocide, and finds hope in 'humanity's angels' who build 'compassion and grace, tolerance and beauty, justice and generosity'

This month, royalty, politicians and celebrities united to raise public awareness of mental health issues and encourage social and emotional well-being, writes Fr Dominic McGrattan.

Paula McKeown leads up the 'Living Church', the office for pastoral renewal in the Diocese of Down and Connor.

With the beginning of the new school year Frs Damian, Dominic and Conor reflect on the role Catholic school played in forming and nurturing their faith. The Catholic school continues to be to the life and mission of our parishes.

In Chapter Twenty of St John's Gospel the Lord speaks to His Apostles: 'if you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven.' The Sacrament of Confession is the beautiful and privileged place where we experience this forgiveness and grace. In this week's episode Frs Dominic, Damian and Conor share their experience of receiving the Sacrament that continues to bring liberation from sin and the fullness of love into our lives.

In this episode Frs Damian, Dominic and Conor are joined by Christine and Francis of the Community of Koinonia John the Baptist, who share with them the story of how Jesus is alive and active in our midst: touching lives, healing the sick and calling us to follow him.

To preach is the priest's first task. In this episode Frs Dominic, Damian and Conor discuss preachers from their past who are their inspiration, as well their preparation that is needed to compose a winning Sunday sermon.

Lockdown has afforded us the luxury of time to rest, to pray and to read. In this episode Frs Dominic, Damian and Conor discuss classic books that, with different words and images, retell the greatest story ever told.

From the Glens of Antrim through the Island of Jersey to the Hills of Rome, Fr James McAuley of the Venerable English College situated in the Eternal City shares his life and experiences forming future diocesan priests for ministry and service in England and Wales.

With COVID restrictions easing, Catholics are back to Mass. In this weeks episode, Frs Damian, Dominic and Conor share their thoughts and experiences as holy water is replaced by hand gel and congregations come to Mass in the comfort (and heat!) of their cars.

In this episode Frs Damian, Dominic and Conor are joined by Aoife, Lucy and Gerard, three young people who have travelled to Lourdes over the past few years to serve the sick and the vulnerable. Listen as the young people share their experiences, full of faith and fun, that have deeply influenced their lives.

Lourdes has long been a place of prayer and pilgrimage. It has a special place in the life of many Catholics, including Frs Damian, Dominic and Conor. In this episode they share the story St Bernadette the town of Lourdes, remembering the sick and able who travel there each year to come close to God, Our Lady and the Saints

Down through the centuries popes have served as a spiritual source of unity for the Church. As men they have been shaped by their culture and time. Join Frs Damian, Dominic and Conor for this episode as they chat about some of popes from history and the legacy they gifted to the Church.

Brother Chris Gault OP, who was a doctor in another life, returned to the medical frontline in April to assist on the COVID wards. Frs Dominic, Damian and Conor caught up with him for a quick (social distanced) chat before he headed back down to continue his priestly formation in Dublin.

The Feast of Corpus Christi, a celebration of the Lord's gift to us in the Eucharist. In normal circumstances today is marked by gatherings and processions, incense and song. Alas, not with a global pandemic! So Frs Damian, Dominic and Conor decide to take a walk, or rather procession down memory lane, recalling past experiences of the Feast and calling to mind the great gift that we share in receiving the Body of Christ.

This week, Fathers Dominic, Dominic and Conor reflect on the words of Jesus in St Matthews Gospel, 'whatever you do to the least of my brothers and sisters, you did it to me' (Mat 25:40). They share memories of lay woman and men, religious sisters and priests who sought to put their faith into action and find the Lord in needy.

In this episode, Frs Damian, Dominic and Conor discuss their memories of Rome and explain why the City lies at the heart of our Catholic Faith.

The purpose of this paper is to critically assess the extent to which Ricoeur’s theological hermeneutics can justifiably be situated within the tradition of narrative theology.

Ruairí McGinn shares with us his experience of work and study with a corporate law firm in Madrid as a QUB student of Economics and Spanish

Out of the isolation of lockdown, the dawn is rising on new expressions of community, says Fr Timothy Radcliffe.

In this pilot episode Fathers Damian, Dominic and Conor discuss the challenges and opportunities to ministry during the Corona Virus Pandemic, explaining why they are excited and full of hope for the future.