Archbishop Diarmuid Martin has described the level of homelessness in Dublin as “shameful”. Speaking at Crosscare’s Year 1 Report launch last week, Dr Martin said the “vulnerable and marginalised” often fall “prey to the very systems which were there to provide them with protection and support”, and condemned “services which are below standards and which…

Filming on Silence, the epic tale of Jesuit priests struggling to spread the Faith in 17th-Century Japan begins in September, with Ireland’s Liam Neeson in the lead role.   Earlier this year it was confirmed that, following years of delay on the project, the Martin Scorsese-directed film will finally reach the screen, telling the story…

The head of the Order of Malta has said he would like the Irish Government to establish full diplomatic relations with the humanitarian organisation.   The Order is a sovereign entity in international law and maintains diplomatic relations with over 100 countries and has observer status at many international organisations including the United Nations (UN).…

The Church should be a welcoming “counter-movement” in a society that can be violent, unforgiving and anxiety-driven, Archbishop Michael Neary has said. The Archbishop of Tuam also warned that faith cannot be about maintenance. Rather, it is about “welcoming home all sorts and conditions of people,” he said. Speaking from the summit of Croagh Patrick…

Neighbours work to fight fire

Pope Francis displayed his trademark love for simplicity and informality at the weekend by popping in to a cafeteria for Vatican employees.    The Pope joined workers on July 25 for a simple but wholesome lunch of pasta, cod and grilled tomatoes.    However, unlike the regular diners, the Pope’s meal was free.    Cashier…