Rté - The Leap Of Faith

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.