Out of the troubles in Northern Ireland have come stories of tragedy and of triumph, stories that appal and stories that inspire. The world was stirred by Gordon Wilson’s words after his daughter was killed in the horrific bombing in Enniskillen on Remembrance Day in 1987. ‘I bear no ill will,’ he said. It was an act that stirred deeper emotions than hate and revenge. Now as Catholics and Protestants learn to put the past behind them another story is emerging that deserves wider recognition.

Next month marks the centenary of the birth (20 December) of a man to whom I owe much of my journalism and my faith. He was to me the living example of the power of God to transform even the most unlikely person. He was an inspiration to thousands of young people, particularly in the United States.

It is not often that prime ministers or former prime ministers or coup leaders ask for forgiveness for their actions. Though their opponents may often call on them to apologize.

Frank Buchman believed that peace depended on new motives in people, that hatreds needed to be answered as he had found them answered in his own life.

It was one of the saddest phrases I have heard in a long time. A new woman has just moved into our street. We welcomed her with coffee parties and introductions to local groups and the like. The neighbor on one side was very friendly. The newcomer approached the woman on the other side. She was rebuffed with the words, ‘I don’t do neighbors.’

My writing has a strong Indian genesis.

A jumbo-jet developed serious engine trouble in mid-Atlantic. The pilot broke the news to the passengers and asked their permission to open the hold and dump all their baggage in the ocean. “Yes, yes, yes,” they all cried. It was done.

Ireland and England - 'time to put the hangover of history to bed and embrace the future'.

Ireland and England - 'time to put the hangover of history to bed and embrace the future'.

Forgiveness is not just a one-off event but a decision for a way of life. Whatever the deficiencies in our spiritual lives, the forgiveness muscle is not too far gone to benefit from a little strengthening.

Forgiveness is not just a one-off event but a decision for a way of life. Whatever the deficiencies in our spiritual lives, the forgiveness muscle is not too far gone to benefit from a little strengthening.

In Britain in the past year, unexpected responses to tragedy have caught the attention of the media, and have inspired many.