The Leap of Faith: Recent Episodes
RTÉ Radio 1
In a programme for people of many faiths and none, Siobhan Garrigan talks with those whose life experiences cause them to call on their beliefs as he seeks to discover what religion does for people... and occasionally to them. With regular updates from across the worlds faiths and those that hold them The Leap of Faith is a thought provoking 30 minutes of radio.
We are joined by Amy-Jill Levine, Peter Admirand, Helen Bond and Peter Keenan to reflect on the Jewish foundations of the Easter Story and ask how it can be interpreted in ways that combat anti-semitism in today’s world.
Siobhán Garrigan brings festive joy, musical treats and plenty of inspiration, in the company of a variety of guests on this Christmas morning.
Christmas reflections from Brother Richard Hendrick, author of 'Still Points: A Guide to Living the Mindful Meditative Way', published by Hachette Ireland. There's a festive treat from St Mary's Pro-Cathedral Girls' Choir as they perform 'Silent Night' and award-winning poet Mary O'Malley savours The Cherry Tree Carol.
As the centenary of composer Fintan O'Carroll's birth is celebrated, his son, Kevin, reflects on his legacy, and 'Through Her Eyes', Clodagh Finn's latest book, features some of the most extraordinary women in Irish history, whose lives were guided by their faith.
As the Government prepares for an inquiry into the handling of historical abuse allegations in several schools run by the Spiritan order, Colm O'Gorman, founder of 'One in Four' and Diarmuid Martin, the former Archbishop of Dublin, join in discussion.
Siobhan Garrigan is in the company of writer and documentary-maker Manchán Magan, exploring his new book 'Listen to the Land Speak: A journey into the wisdom of what lies beneath us' and how the divine, natural and human worlds coexist.
What is it like living as a Muslim in Ireland? Consultant Paediatrician Dr Rizwan Khan and Fahmeeda Naheed, a member of An Garda Síochána, share their experiences. We also hear from the stars of 'The Chosen', the TV series about the life of Jesus.
We hear about practical measures which parishes and communities can undertake to tackle the environmental crisis. We also take a look at two books: 'The Parish as Oasis: An Introduction to Practical Environmental Care', and 'Beyond: How Humankind Thinks about Heaven'.
We hear from two new bishops of Galway - Michael Burrows from the Church of Ireland and Michael Duignan from the Catholic Church. Recently retired presenter of 'Beyond Belief' on BBC Radio 4, Ernie Rea, shares his thoughts, having also been head of religious broadcasting in the organisation.
Award winning writer and playwright, Michael Harding, shares confessions of love and regret and explains why his latest book is a celebration of failure.
Why did Martin Luther's translation of the Bible into German become such an instant hit? And, as Halloween approaches, prepare to be spooked by 'Demons Good and Bad' as experts at Trinity College gather to share research on how these entities continue to live with and influence us today.
We hear about an evening celebrating the life of the late Father Pat O'Brien, Galway-based poet and human rights activist. Berlin-based journalist, Derek Scally, author of 'The Best Catholics in the World', returns with his unblinking look at Irish society as it tries to come to terms with its troubling past.
Siobhán Garrgian's guests are journalist and author Mary Kenny, artist Rachel Fallon and climate justice campaigner Lorna Gold.
As anger and protests spread across Iran and the rest of world, following the death of twenty-two year old Mahsa Amini, who had been arrested for "unsuitable attire", we'll hear the insights of Associate Professor at Trinity College, Dr Roja Fazaeli, who fled here from Iran as a young child.
As Jewish communities get set to welcome the New Year, followed by the Day of Atonement, we'll hear from Dublin Rabbi Zalman Lent. Recently ordained Reverend Philip McKinley, explains what triggered his decision, after years of resistance ... and the premiere of a new work by fiddle player and composer Máire Breatnach.
Broadcaster, former pop star, retired vicar and 'borderline national trinket' as his beloved partner once described him, Reverend Richard Coles speaks about charting his unlikely course and how a crime fighting canon has captured the public imagination in his bestselling new novel, 'Murder Before Evensong' (published by Orion Books).
We hear from Patricia Higgins, an interfaith minister in Donegal, who's on a quest to 'rewild' the Catholic Church. After decades of speculation surrounding his death, Pope John Paul I steps closer to sainthood and an ancient air from Achill's outstanding harpist, Laoise Kelly, celebrates the life of a much-loved clergyman.
Afshin Samali, Professor of Cancer Biology at the University of Galway, talks about his journey as a young Baha'i fleeing religious persecution. We meet Father Frank Fahey at Ballintubber Abbey and listen to a variety of tunes by musicians from Co Mayo, Julie Langan, Mary Staunton and Declan Askin.
Author and journalist, Michael Kelly invites pilgrims and armchair travellers to the Holy Land, Galway poet Mary Malley journeys into Connemara's spiritual landscape and a trio of musicians perform a treasured tune from their remarkable Co Mayo ancestor.
Inside the walled garden of the Poor Clares in Galway, Sister Colette, reflects on her contemplative life; from Carna, fisherman Seamus Breathnach honours the pilgrimage to St Mac Dara's Island; author and former activist, Paul Kingsnorth, on his fascinating faith journey; and music from the ancient pilgrims of Co Mayo.
Former President of Ireland, Dr Mary McAleese, discusses her new book 'The 17 Irish Martyrs'. We hear reaction to rumours of Pope Francis's resignation and explore the popular practice of pilgrimage with UCC historian, Dr Damian Bracken.
As Ramadan, Passover and Easter all align, what meaning do they bring at this current time? And a special festive treat from harpist with the Chieftans, Triona Marshall.
As the war in Ukraine enters its sixth week Siobhan is joined by Archbishop Michael Jackson, Professor Rachel Muers, Ukranian refugee and talented young musician, Yaroslav Bilous along with Bewleys owner Col Campbell and Aubrey McCarthy whose organisation Tiglin in Wicklow is helping to accommodate 100 Ukranian refugees.
Writer Parwana Fayyaz shares her experience of poetry as prayer and landmark stories from Afghan women.... and following its Oscar success, what do those 'Eyes of Tammy Faye' reveal to us today?
This evening on the Leap of Faith, Siobhan Garrigan and guests explore the faith response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
The Leap of Faith celebrates St Patrick's Day with a mix of conversation, music and inspiration in the company of a variety of guests. Presented by Michael Comyn.
Michael Comyn offers a festive mix of warmth, music, inspiration and humour in the company of a variety of guests on Christmas morning: Father Alan Hilliard, Dean Maria Jansson,Anne Gildea, Dr Amanullah De Sondy, Brian Leyden, John O'Donnell, Blanaid Murphy, Angela Ni Fhloinn and her daughter, Róisín Ní Fhloinn.
'What does Islam mean and what is its future?' In discussion are Professor Mona Siddiqui OBE, Professor of Islamic Interreligious Studies at the University of Edinburgh; Tawseef Khan, solicitor & author of 'The Muslim Problem - Why We're Wrong About Islam and Why It Matters'; Shaykh Dr Umar Al-Qadri, Chief Imam at the Islamic Centre of Ireland.
'What does Islam mean and what is its future?' We talk to Professor Mona Siddiqui OBE, Professor of Islamic and Interreligious Studies at the University of Edinburgh; Tawseef Khan, solicitor and author; Shaykh Dr Umar Al-Qadri, Chief Imam at the Islamic Centre of Ireland and Chair of the Irish Muslim Peace and Integration Council.
What now for the Catholic Church? In discussion are Bishop Brendan Leahy of Limerick, who is vice-chair of the Synodal Steering Committee, Ursula Halligan who is a journalist and coordinator of We are Church and Derek Scally, Berlin Correspondent for The Irish Times and author of The Best Catholics in the World.
We talk with Fr Alan Hilliard, author of Dipping into Life: 40 Reflections for a Fragile Faith. We also have live music with Scott McKeown and Victoria Johnston, two musicians who express their Christian faith through their music.
June 13th is National Holy Wells Day. We'll hear from Fr Brian Grogan SJ and Sr Helen Grealy. Author Yanky Fachler tells us some of the almost 200 stories he shared with an online audience during the lockdown. And we talk with the incoming President of the Methodist Church in Ireland, The Rev. Dr Sahr Yambasu.
Pope Francis has issued the most extensive revision to Catholic Church law in four decades. We talk with journalist and biographer to Pope Francis Austen Ivereigh and Marie Collins, a former member of the Pontifical Commission for Protection of Minors. We also speak with Burhana Islam, author of 'Amazing Muslims Who Changed the World'.
We talk with Brother Liam O'Meara, who is the founder of the Burren Chernobyl Project. Actor, playwright & psychotherapist, Isobel Mahon shares how faith enriches her professional life. And Father Michael Commane OP, speaks about identifying the work of the Holy Spirit, often in everyday situations.
This evening Michael and guests mark Bob Dylan's 80th birthday. Michael is joined by Dr Michael Booth who lectures in the Dept of English at UCC & from Philadelphia, singer-songwriter Wesley Stace. We also hear from Humanist Celebrant Brian Whiteside who is seeking to remove the requirement of religious oaths for holders of high office.
Join Michael Comyn for The Leap of Faith. A programme for people of many faiths and none.
Dublin priest Fr Bryan Shortall talks to us about the re-opening of Churches from next week and online worship. Catherine Wiley of the Catholic Grandparents Association tells us about its Faith Cafe. And Shaykh Dr Umar Al-Qadri on restricted plans for the end of Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr.
First up of this evening we go to Israel where there has been a tragic loss of life at the Lag B'Omer religious festival. Christian Aid Ireland's CEO Rosamond Bennett on calls for a People's Vaccine. And Archbishop Michael Crotty Apostolic Nuncio to Burkina Faso & Niger on the recent death of Rory Young who was killed on an anti-poaching patrol.
A nurse living in Ireland discusses faith during India's covid crisis as millions of devotees mark, Aparna Shukla. Stormont debates a bill banning conversion therapy for people questioning sexuality. We also hear from the island of Lesvos in Greece, as plans are made for 28 refugee children to come to Ireland.
Tonight, creating a culture of care post-Covid-19, Ramadan in contemporary Ireland and a suggestion of unfinished business in the peace process in Northern Ireland.
John Wilkins, former editor of The Tablet, on the life of Father Hans Kung, who died this week aged 93. Sean Duggan Head Chaplain to the Irish Prison Service on how his team have adapted during the pandemic. And we take you to Cobh to hear how St Colman's Cathedral has been lifting spirits during the past year.
On the programme this evening, a Good Friday gathering of guests celebrates sacred music inspired by the Passion: Composer Sir James MacMillan, Director of the Royal Irish Academy of Music, Deborah Kelleher and Choral Director, Mark Duley.
We hear from a Quaker elder living in Co Limerick about his journey of faith, having been a monk in the Trappist Community of Mount Melleray Abbey. Deirdre Ní Chinnéide, singer and spiritual director, joins us from her home on Inis Mor to talk about finding inspiration and next week's Threshold of Hope online event.
Tonight, the story of an Irish Priest shot dead 100 years ago by a Ku Klux Klan member. It's Naw-Rúz, the first day of the Bahá'i calendar year. We hear from Sarah Sabour-Chadwick on how her faith sustains her & her community and Fr Joe McDonald, of Celbridge and Straffan Parish on the refusal of the Catholic Church to bless same sex unions.
Tonight, recently appointed Bishop of Achonry, Paul Dempsey, on getting plans for a national synod underway, Regina Sexton on fasting and feasting and Swami Purnananda tells us the story of an Irish woman revered in India as a social activist, who became known as Sister Nivedita.
As Pope Francis arrives in Iraq, we hear Christian and Muslim perspectives on this historic visit, which carries both symbolism and risk.
Former President Mary Robinson pays tribute to her friend, the late Fr Enda McDonagh. Hilary Abrahamson, Chair of the Dublin City Interfaith Forum, joins us to share the Jewish festival of Purim and Magnus MacFarlane-Barrow who is the founder of Mary's Meals talks about his new book entitled “Give: Charity and the Art of Giving Generously”.
As more than 50 Irish faith leaders sign a statement condemning the persecution of the Uyghurs and other Muslims in Xinjiang, China, we speak with one of the signatories. We take a look at Centring Prayer on Zoom and Bibi Baskin offers wise words on the pursuit of happiness.
We talk to Sister Patricia Murray, executive secretary of the International Union of Superiors General. Vincent Doyle of CopingInternational.com talks about children of the ordained and we talk to Soonie Delap about the Lunar New Year.
Professor Max Watson from the Presbyterian Church in Ireland on the Dying with Dignity Bill 2020. Dr Gladys Ganiel from Queen's University Belfast on how Churches on the island of Ireland are navigating the Covid-19 pandemic and journalist Greg Daly tells us of a new Catholic digital magazine called Leaven.
As the first signs of Spring appear, we find out more about the Celtic spirituality surrounding Saint Brigid.
On the programme tonight, both our guests in their eighties, share insight and wisdom from their early lives that resonates today. We are joined by Sister Helen Préjean and Holocaust survivor Tomi Reichental.
We're joined by the Most Reverend Dr Dermot Farrell, the Archbishop Elect of Dublin. We also talk with Professor John Horne, Fellow Emeritus of European History at Trinity College Dublin and a member of the Royal Irish Academy about freedom of speech and satire, and being critical of things considered sacred.
Former Belfast crime boss Stephen Gillen tells the story of redemption in his book 'The Monkey Puzzle Tree'. Author and biographer to Pope Francis, Austen Ivereigh, responds to Fratelli Tutti, the Pope's third encyclical. And historian Dr Sinead McCoole on the life of Dr Margaret Mac Curtain OP, who died aged 91 this week.
On the programme tonight, author, journalist & commentator Paul Vallely on his new book Philanthropy, From Aristotle to Zuckerberg. St. Nicholas' Collegiate Church celebrates its 700th anniversary. And Shane Howell & Kenny Eivers bring their insight from years in homelessness to The Secret Street Tours of Dublin.
Fr Tony Flannery talks about his latest communication received from the Vatican. John Lonergan former Governor at Mountjoy Prison & Hilary Abrahamson chair of the Dublin City Interfaith Forum talk about Yom Kippur & restorative justice. And Dr Sabina Syed of the Muslim Sisters of Eire on their new support helpline.
Back in March this year, we spoke with people of many different faiths and none as they shared how their beliefs were influencing their comprehension of the newly announced Covid-19 epidemic.
On the programme tonight, extreme weather, pirates and plagues, just some of the challenges facing medieval Irish Pilgrims.
We're joined by the new Moderator of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland the Right Reverend Dr David Bruce. Patricia Friel, the Irish charities director, on Mary's Meals work during the COVID Pandemic and Fr Michael Collins shines a spotlight on a treasured artist in his new biography, Raphael's World.
On this evenings programme, the voices of two prominent Christian leaders in America, following the death of George Floyd and the use of religious symbols in a photo opportunity by President Trump.
Pictures taken in 1903 in a Dublin City Churchyard raise more questions than answers and Jewish historian, Yanky Fachler examines the influence of the Jewish faith on the work of iconic musical artists, Barbra Streisand and Leonard Cohen.
Zen Buddhist Priest Myozan Kodo on Vesak, which is one of the most important Buddhist festivals. The RTÉ Radio 1 May Day tradition of playing Canon Sydney MacEwan's Bring Flowers of the Rarest. And we take a look at the Irish Chaplaincy in London which provides help and support, to Irish elderly people, prisoners and Travellers.
On tonight's programme, different kinds of isolation, from a French enclosed order of nuns, mariners at sea, missions abroad and the tranquillity of Inis Mor on the Aran Islands. The Leap of Faith is after the news.
This week, The Leap of Faith brings you a programme produced by CTVC in the UK. With churches closed and the lockdown firmly in place, the UK faces a very different Easter this year. More and more people experience the sudden loss of a friend or family member. Others fear genuinely for loved ones who are elderly or vulnerable.
Chris Patten, now Lord Patten of Barnes, reflects on the way in which faith has underpinned his entire life, both personally and politically.
Dr.Kevin Hargaden on what we can learn from desert monks when it comes to economics and social justice. The Very Reverend Doctor Dean Sarah Rowland Jones talks about St.David the patron saint of Wales and journalist and writer Robert Fisk shares his insight into the role of religion in middle east conflicts.
On tonight's programme: a report on Jewish tradition, the New Year of the Trees celebrated as part of World Interfaith Harmony Week. We review 'A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood' and the French teenager who received death threats for comments on the Islamic religion.
We take a look at Chinese New Year and China's approach to organised religion. And as the world marks the 75th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz, we talk with author and historian Yanky Fachler about the imperative for the next generations to never forget the victims of the Holocaust.
We talk with the Very Reverend Father Bryan Shortall OFM Cap. He is a member of the Capuchin Franciscan Order & Parish Priest at St Francis of Assisi Church in Priorswood in Dublin. He's also the author of two books, Tired of All the Bad News and Sending Positive Vibes.
On the Leap of Faith this week, BBC broadcaster Adrian Chiles talks about his conversion to the Roman Catholic Church. We also review the latest film from writer-director Terrence Malick, A Hidden Life, the story of an unsung hero Franz Jägerstätter now Blessed, who refused to fight for the Nazis in World War II.
On tonight's programme, what are the religious influences that contribute to the tensions in the Middle East and is there a role for faith in any possible solution? We talk about epiphanies and also the lesser heard stories about Nollaig na mBan.
On the Leap of Faith this week, we hear from a selection of guests who've spoken on a variety of topics over the past year. Email the programme faith@rte.ie
A festive gathering of guests, including Father Bryan Shortall. author Christine Dwyer Hickey, UCD Chaplain Scott Evans, Dr Aileen Murtagh from St Patrick's Mental Health Services in Dublin, Gurusharan Singh Gogna, Nishita Sawant & Hannah Stern, with the sounds of the Continuum Choir, conducted by Blanaid Murphy, heralding this Christmas morning.
As we look forward to Christmas, we hear of some of the Christmas traditions in Mexico during Posada Navideña. Music composer Michael Holohan tells us of the Irish connections to the well-loved carol Angels we have heard on high, and Professor Cornelius Casey tells us about a conference on Religious Literacy coming in January.
Join Michael Comyn for The Leap of Faith. A programme for people of many faiths and none.
A sculpture of Jesus, depicted as a homeless person on a bench is the focus for World Day of the Poor in Dublin and for more than forty years he has been covering religious and social affairs in this country - Joe Little is in studio to capture some of the key moments.
We talk with journalists, Anne Thompson & Inés San Martín who are in Dublin this week to talk at an event on Media and Faith in a Secular Age. Noel Sweeney was in Dublin's Christchurch as The Sikh Community in Dublin held prayers and a service to celebrate the 550th birth anniversary of their Guru Nanak.
Bishop Francis Duffy talks about a new listening initiative in his dioceses. Noel Sweeney reports on how Mexicans living in Cork celebrate the Day of the Dead. We talk with Father Tom Ryan, from Boston, author of several books on the use of Yoga and we remember Gay Byrne and his television series - The Meaning of Life.
Theologian Angela Hanley shares the story of her close friend Seán Fagan with her book 'What happened to Father Seán Fagan? From prayer to sports, animals to fasting, appreciating ways of living in the moment and adopting certain spiritual practices can bring bountiful health benefits, according to biologist and author, Dr Rupert Sheldrake.
Colm Flynn reports from Rome as the Synod of the Amazon comes to an end. Dr Fáinche Ryan, Director of the Loyola Institute talks about Umberto Eco’s historical drama, "The Name of the Rose", and our reporter Noel Sweeney visits Diwali celebrations in Dublin and captures the atmosphere of this festival of lights.
Fr. Joseph Loftus a Vincentian Priest served in China for 25 years. Irene Devitt is a niece of amateur filmmaker the late Fr Jack Delaney who made films of life in 1930s inner-city Dublin. We also hear from Kasandra O'Connell Head of the IFI and Dr Lorna Gold shares her concerns for the environment from the perspective of a person of faith.
On the Leap of Faith this week, Rabbi Julia Neuberger on Yom Kippur and the role of atonement in the Jewish Faith. Lisa Sharon Harper is in Ireland this weekend to address the Rubicon Conference and we talk with the biographer of Pope Francis, Austen Ivereigh
Father Dermot Mansfield, author of 'Heart Speaks to Heart: The Story of Blessed John Henry Newman', sheds light on this man’s remarkable life and legacy, as his canonisation takes place in Rome this Sunday 13th October.
Tom Holland talk's about his latest book Dominion: The Making of the Western Mind. We meet film maker James Creedon and hear the story of Sister Paschal (Jennie) O' Sullivan, who spent 75 years in Japan as a missionary nun. We'll hear of a novel idea for carbon credits at the Galway Jazz Festival that benefits St.Nicholas' Collegiate Church.
Miriam O’Regan founder of Fearless Women a conference on Oct 11/12 in the Helix in Dublin . We also meet Áine O’Neill and Colm Flynn presenters of Life and Soul.
We hear from Fr. Peter McVerry, founder of the McVerry Trust. The Reverend Brian Anderson is co-chair of the Irish Inter-Church Meeting and President of the Irish Council of Churches and Sister Jean Quinn is the founder of Sophia.
As Sikhs across the world celebrate their holiest day of the year, Vaisakhi, we'll get a flavour of the festival from the streets of Dublin, awash with the colour saffron. And we'll also be hearing about an exhibition tackling myths about Jews and money, amid a reported resurgence of anti-Semitism in Europe.
Join Michael Comyn for The Leap of Faith. A programme for people of many faiths and none.
On the programme tonight, singer-songwriter Omar Simon on his conversion to Islam and music tribute to the people of New Zealand following the recent terror attack. A new window into the world within that magnificent medieval manuscript, The Book of Kells, through a free, online course, developed by Trinity College Dublin.
Michael is joined Ryma Halfaoui, one of the students organising the demonstration of solidarity with Muslims. Fr Dermot Mansfield, author of ‘Heart Speaks to Heart: The Story of Blessed John Henry Newman’. Susannah Healy, psychologist, mindfulness meditation teacher who has just published ‘The Seven-Day Soul: Finding Meaning Beneath the Noise’.
As we celebrate International Women's Day this week here in RTÉ this week. We're joined by Dr Anne Francis, Pastoral Theologian. Canon Ruth Elmes Archdeacon, Church of Ireland. Dr Rachel Woodlock, lecturer in Islamic Studies, UCC & Rabbi Baroness Julia Neuberger, senior Rabbi of Britain’s oldest Reform synagogue in West London.
On the Leap of Faith this week we're joined by Dr Ben Mathews, Australian Professor with the School of Law in Queensland University of Technology (QUT) and RTÉ's Religious & Social Affairs Joe Little to discuss the conviction of Senior Vatican cleric Cardinal George Pell, who was convicted of child sex crimes last week.
Tonight Michael Comyn hears from Marie Collins, a clerical abuse survivor. Fr Joe McDonald, Parish Priest at St. Matthews Church in Dublin. Crux Journalist Christopher White joins us from Rome and Professor Donald Palmer, an expert on organisational behaviour examines the culture of institutions that have failed to protect children worldwide.
Tonight we hear from Jonny Woods & Dr Steve Holmes, Head of the School of Divinity at the University of St. Andrews in Scotland about a religious code that Jonny cracked which baffled academics. Fr. Michael O'Sullivan enlightens us about his involvement of the visit of Pope Francis to UAE & Abu Dhabi & we learn more about the Chinese New Year.
We discuss the importance of Saint Bridget as a feminist icon with Dr. Kelly Fitzgerald of UCD. Pupils of St. Brigid's Primary School in Kildare present President Michael D. Higgins with a Kildare made cross. Musical Director of The Big C Choir Christina O'Connell tells us of the formation of this Kildare based choir and mindfulness in the Dáil.
Paddy Monaghan talks about his lifetime commitments to renewal and reconciliation among Christians, his personal gift from the Rev Ian Paisley and his work with the Alpha course. We also meet Aparna Shukla who tells us about the Hindu Festival of Kumbh Mela in which Hindu pilgrims gather to bathe and worship in one of four sacred places in India.