RTÉ - The Leap of Faith

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.

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.