Fr. Brian D'Arcy

I have rarely witnessed such a vicious, divided contest as this year's American Presidential election. It is disheartening that the Republican party had to accept Trump as their candidate. His behaviour and attitude have been consistently divisive. But his supporters backed him to the bitter end. Joe Biden’s dithering was pathetic. At one point, America had two candidates, one of whom should have been in prison, and the other in a residential home.

Whatever the reason, depression is more prevalent this year. Many people are chronically ill, and both young and old will be in danger of taking their own life. Too many already have. Suicide is a tragedy that devastates a family and a community. Everyone feels guilty in some way, not realising it is impossible to make sense of a senseless act. Suicide is a permanent answer to a temporary problem.

What a wonderful summer of sport we’re having. After the Euros comes the Olympics. I love sport. The excitement, the achievements, the heartaches, and sometimes even the victories cannot be bettered.

The Olympic Games in Paris will dominate world news in a few weeks. The best of elite athletes will give their all to earn bronze, silver, or gold. However, the Special Olympics will be even more inspiring. There, athletes have to overcome unimaginable obstacles.

Fr. Brian D'Arcy recounts his experiences of sexual abuse and how he lives and copes with it today.

A distraught young couple called with me last week. They bought a modest house with a manageable mortgage some years ago. All went well until the husband was diagnosed with a serious illness.

Fr. Brian D'Arcy offers some thoughtful words on finding inspiring words and strength in diverse lives, and sometimes in some surprising places, too.

It’s amazing the number of people I speak to these days who have become disillusioned by incompetent institutions, both civic and religious.

It is over a year since emergency general surgery was removed from our beloved South West Acute Hospital (SWAH). It happened just after Robin Swann ceased being Minister for Health. We were told it was a temporary cessation of this essential service.