Mags GarganDear Editor, I was very surprised to read that the Vatican has ordered Catholics to replace hugs and kisses with handshakes when they are offering the Sign of Peace.Pope Francis is banning hugs and kisses at Mass, and he has told bishops to draw up strict guidelines. The circular said churchgoers should be offered “practical…
Month: August 2014
The Nun of Kenmare
Mags Gargan looks at the part a charismatic Poor Clare sister played in the story of Knock
Irish Catholic Catechism for Adults
Peter CostelloIrish Episcopal Conference, (Veritas, €24/£19.99)
With no pope in residence, Vatican opens gardens of summer villa
The aisle is paved with stone from an ancient Roman road; the apse is made of carefully trimmed evergreen bushes; the columns are tall, thin cypress trees; and the nave is a lily pond, complete with gold fish. Welcoming visitors to "our outdoor church" in Castel Gandolfo, Osvaldo Gianoli explains, "it has always been a…
Pope’s finance chief talks Vatican reform
Cardinal George Pell speaks to Francis X. Rocca about changes to the Vatican’s financial structures
Christian faith being obliterated in Iraq – Martin
“All signs of the presence of Christians and the practice of the Faith have been obliterated”
Fr D’Escoto suspension lifted
Fr D’Escoto wanted to celebrate Mass again ‘before dying’
Comments from the Week
Quotes of interest
Our man in London
Martin O'BrienFormer UK Holy See Ambassador and newly installed head of St Marys University, London, Francis Campbell speaks frankly to Martin O’Brien on Catholic vision, the Pope, Isis and Europe
Sign of peace at Mass to stay
Structural changes will not be introduced