The Irish and the Mexicans, the Indians and the Cubans, the Chinese and the Dominicans: Today, we celebrate their achievements.

After World War II, American classrooms swelled with baby boomers. Desperate for English-speaking sisters, some bishops turned to Ireland for help.

The numbers augur an uncertain future for the Catholic Church in Ireland, long a place where Catholicism seemed sure of deep roots and high adherence to practice and tradition.

Hunger strikes raise thorny political, philosophical and even spiritual questions.

The Irish-American population is almost seven times bigger than Ireland itself, but it is also aging and shrinking.

John Banville has few kind words for the church of his youth, but he is good company nonetheless.