Archbishop Diarmuid Martin of Dublin has issued an impassioned appeal for vocations to the priesthood following a week that saw some 17 ordinations across several Irish dioceses. “We need more priests,” Archbishop Martin warned this week.  Recognising his responsibility to “speculate and reflect on the seriousness of the fall in the number of priests”, Archbishop…

A potential visit to Ireland by Pope Francis will not take place until after the next general election, The Irish Catholic understands. Well-placed sources in Rome confirmed that while a visit to Ireland – North and South – is under active consideration, a visit would be likely to take place in the autumn on 2016,…

Document on political reform to be published

Taoiseach Enda Kenny’s refusal to lift a controversial ban on members of the Defence Forces participating in the annual Mass to commemorate those who died in the 1916 Easter Rising has been criticised as a “mockery” by Independent TD Mattie McGrath. Speaking to The Irish Catholic this week, Mr McGrath, expressed disappointment with a statement…

Conference hears warning against ‘cult of the papal personality’

Actor finds joy in belief

Signs of ‘green shoots’ after years of crisis