by Cindy Wooden Amid the rubble and bombed out remains of four churches destroyed by Islamic State militants, Pope Francis paid tribute to Iraqi Christians who endured persecution and even death. But visiting Mosul and Qaraqosh in northern Iraq on Sunday, he also urged the Christians to live up to their faith and honour the…
by Cindy Wooden Travelling to the birthplace of Abraham, Pope Francis urged believers to prove their faith in the one God and father of all by accepting one another as brothers and sisters. From a stage set on a dusty hill overlooking the archaeological dig at Ur, Abraham’s birthplace about ten miles from modern-day Nasiriyah,…
Visiting a Baghdad cathedral “hallowed by the blood of our brothers and sisters” murdered in a terrorist attack that shook the world, Pope Francis said their sacrifice must motivate faith and a commitment to working for the common good. The Syriac Catholic Cathedral of Our Lady of Deliverance, sometimes referred to as Our Lady of…
The Minister for Mental Health has warned about the negative consequences of prolonged restrictions on Mass and other religious ceremonies. Minister Mary Butler told The Irish Catholic that she is “positive and hopeful for a re-opening of churches [for liturgy] soon.” “I’ve discussed how important Mass is for the older generation with the Taoiseach…I’m very,…
Primary and secondary schools partially reopened on Monday, with staff and students feeling a mix of “trepidation and excitement” at the return. “The mood among the principals is that, while there is a little bit of trepidation, there’s also a desire to get schools open and to get classes in and by teachers to get…
