In a few weeks’ time, the people of Ireland must make a decision that will have a profound impact on the kind of society we will be in the future. We will be asked to decide on whether to retain the Eighth Amendment in our Constitution by voting ‘No’ or to remove it...
“Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you”. Jer.1:5 Debate, Discernment and Decision The national debate on the life question is in full flow. Our decision is required on the Eighth Amendment to the Constitution of Ireland which guarantees the protection...
My dear people, In these days, every person in Ireland, is being asked to consider a fundamental question, a question that lies at the heart of allowing a child the possibility of reaching their potential. All of us, especially people of faith must engage in this...
It is not easy to speak about the up-coming referendum. But it is absolutely necessary. We will not get this chance again. It is about life and death. Every one listening to or reading this letter started life in the womb of his or her mother. We are reminded of...
The decision of the Government to hold a referendum on repealing article 40.3.3 - the Eighth Amendment to the Constitution of Ireland - is a major challenge to the respect for life that has been so much part of our culture for generations. Article 40.3.3 – the Eighth...
“So great is the value of human life, and so inalienable the right to life of an innocent child growing in the mother’s womb, that no alleged right to one’s own body can justify a decision to terminate that life… ”(Pope Francis, ‘The Joy of Love’ 83) The current...
On May 25th we will be asked to express our opinion on a vital issue of life or death in relation to the eighth amendment of our Constitution. It is a question that has profound moral and religious implications for us all and specifically for the right to life of the...
Our defence of the innocent unborn, for example, needs to be clear, firm and passionate, for at stake is the dignity of a human life, which is always sacred and demands love for each person, regardless of his or her stage of development. Gaudete et Exsultate,...
Our Common Humanity was published after the Spring General Meeting of the Irish Bishops’ Conference. Having received a number of requests, the Catholic Communications Office and Veritas have designed the pastoral message for distribution in parishes. A PDF of Our...
As you are aware, the government has decided to call a referendum for Friday 25 May when the proposal to remove the Eighth Amendment from our Constitution will be put before us. The Eighth Amendment affords an equal right to life, both to the unborn baby, and to the...