Courtney McGrailGermany's Catholic bishops have published a report detailing their views on marriage and family; it suggests most bishops now believe sacraments should be available to divorced and remarried Catholics who do not have an annulment. "This document contains reflections only and has no juridical power," said Matthias Kopp, spokesman for the Bonn-based bishops' conference. He…
Month: January 2015
Priest: Help for rebels part of peace work in Central African Republic
Catholic leaders in the Central African Republic said their help for Muslim rebels is part of an effort to promote interreligious reconciliation in the war-torn country. "We're ready to assist everyone in difficulty, whatever their faith or affiliation," said Msgr Elysee Guedjande, national director of the church's Caritas aid organisation. "The two main fronts aren't…
Three wise men
Men dressed as the Three Kings ride on horses leading a procession of Catholics of Polish decent, from St Ferdinand Parish to St Ladislaus Parish in Chicago in celebration of the feast of the Epiphany (January 6). Photo: CNS
Pope names 15 new cardinal electors, most from global south
The shift reflects the Pope’s emphasis on Africa and Asia, where the Church is growing fastest, writes Francis Rocca
A voice in the wilderness on abortion
Dear Editor, I was saddened to hear that Baroness Nuala O'Loan felt compelled to resign from the Medical Ethics Committee over its support for an extension of the British abortion law to Northern Ireland (IC 18/12/2014). What a loss to this important committee to lose a person of integrity, who appears to have been prepared…
Let people have weekday Masses
Dear Editor, I am disappointed with Fr Whelan's attitude on Communion services (‘Limit priestless Communion services, bishops are urged’ IC 11/12/14). Priests are struggling to offer weekday Masses for the few who want them, why not let lay people get involved if they are interested. Yours etc., Patricia McKenna, Navan, Co Meath.
Consult laity on priestless Communion services
Dear Editor, I am deeply disappointed at the approach of Frs Whelan and Mullaney to the perceived problem of priestless communion services (‘Limit priestless Communion services, bishops are urged’ IC 11/12/2014). It is so Vatican I – legalistic and top down, with little or no regard for the people most affected: daily communicants. Would it…
Lay Communion services should be used more
Dear Editor, The hope expressed by Fr Paddy Gleeson (IC Letters 18/12/2014) that the bishops will keep the pastoral care of the faithful, and especially the elderly, in mind in the area of keeping available the reception of Holy Communion in the situation where Mass is no longer available, is timely. The bishops are coming up…
Eighth Amendment blocks liberal abortion culture
Dear Editor, The (pro-life) Eighth Amendment has received much adverse publicity in recent times from politicians and the media. Is this based on a fair or biased view of the common good? We are all familiar with the 'Disappeared' – those 18 individuals executed by mainly Republican paramilitaries and buried in secret locations. Since abortion…
No urgency for marriage referendum
Dear Editor, Ireland is a wee country, led by a wobbly Government loaded with the domestic and social problems of a post austerity regime. Isn’t it strange to imagine a referendum to change the definition of marriage to permit two people of the same sex to marry one another, should already be gathering momentum among certain…