Pope Francis has appointed Co. Clare priest Fr Ger Nash (62) as the new bishop of the Diocese of Ferns, taking the reins from Bishop Denis Brennan. After this morning’s announcement, Bishop-elect Nash said he looked forward to walking with the people and parish communities throughout the diocese of Ferns “as we respond to that…

Parishes in the Republic will be able to celebrate First Holy Communion and Confirmation from July 5 under new Government guidelines. There has been disappointment in parishes in the Republic that the ceremonies could not go ahead, despite the fact that the celebrations are happening north of the border. The Irish Catholic understands that officials…

The incoming DUP leader Edwin Poots’ refusal to say whether or not he would attend a Catholic Mass if invited is a cause for “concern”, according to Prof. Deirdre Heenan of Ulster University. Answering this paper’s query about Mass, a spokesman for Mr Poots replied saying: “Mr Poots is heartened that people of all faiths are able…

The news that an Irish Microsoft subsidiary paid no corporation tax on €260 billion has been greeted as “a scandal” by Fr Peter McVerry. The company, Microsoft Round Island One, posted profits last year equal to nearly three-quarters of Ireland’s gross domestic product (GDP). The corporation tax takings on the €260 billion would have amounted…

The demand for Eucharistic bread is at a “trickle” according to the nuns who provide for much of Ireland’s need. The Irish Catholic reported last September on the “absolute decimation” of demand for altar breads at the onset of the pandemic, with the effect being likened to a guillotine dropping. Nine months on, the situation…