Irish religious orders engaged in making altar breads face being forced out of their work by cheap imports and shifting religious realities in Ireland, it has been revealed. Traditionally the work of contemplative and enclosed orders, the production of altar breads has seen those orders as the main suppliers of hosts to parishes, chaplains and…

Bishop Kevin Doran ‘s episcopal ordination

A Congolese family, separated when fleeing from a violent conflict at home, have made an emotional reunion in Cork thanks to the efforts of local volunteers. Benz Tshiania and his wife Rose were separated last year when they escaped violence in the Democratic Republic of Congo, and both feared that the other was dead. Unknown…

The Pro Life Campaign (PLC) has accused the UN’s Human Rights Committee of totally ignoring the right to life of the unborn child. The PLC was one of the official NGOs represented at a two-day hearing in Geneva where Ireland was criticised for not having more explicit access to abortion. Barrister Lorcán Price, who represented…

“It was easily the most manageable Twelfth that we have seen”

President Michael D. Higgins has named Br Kevin Crowley, founder of the Capuchin Day Centre as his ‘Dublin hero’ in a new interview. Responding to a series of questions on his favourite aspects of the capital for a ‘Best of Dublin 2014’ feature in Hot Press magazine, President Higgins identified his best sources of fashion…