This week, Our Divine Sparks with Dearbhail McDonald remembers the Holocaust.

Former President, Mary McAleese reviews Hope: The Autobiography by Pope Francis. Frank McNally muses on holy words that have crept into everyday speech.

Maureen Sullivan interview on her time spent in a Magdalene Laundry at the age of 12. Kevin Hargaden essay on the importance of making meaningful apologies. Report on the Hindu Kumbh Mela Festival. US journalist Cal Thomas talks about the inauguration edition of the God Bless the USA bible.

Archbishop Eamon Martin on Jubilee Year 2025. The Feast of the Epiphany around the world. The Book of Mormon preview by Cara O’Doherty. The power of meditation with Susan Quirke.

Children share the wonder of a baby born in extraordinary circumstances.  The nativity and life 2,000 years ago is explored by Fr. Kieran O’Mahony, Rev Gillian Wharton and Zuleika Rodgers TCD.

Sandra Cullen, DCU on St. Nicholas.  Richard Kearney considers the sacredness of nature in the Irish Celtic tradition.  Siofra Mulqueen on music and spirituality.  Andrea Corr shares insights about her faith.

Michael Kelly on Syria’s religious and ethnic groups. Kathy Donaghy on Christmas without religious rituals. Hugh Turpin on the rise of atheism. Dave Macardle reports on a Dog Carol Service.

Fr. Aidan Troy on the re-opening of Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris.  Children chat about Virgin Mary.  Gina Menzies on the Virgin Mary and assisted dying.  Michael Harding on departure rituals.

This week we ask if the Trump Presidency will reshape the role of religion in public affairs. We delve into the history of secretive papal elections, explore the allure of grand religious ceremonies, and on the anniversary of John F. Kennedy’s assassination, we hear about the man Catholic Ireland took to its hearts and hearths.