Europe’s bishops call for European solution As the European Union is founded on the solidarity of Europeans, so the current refugee crisis should be recognised as a common challenge that needs a common solution, the Commission of the Bishops’ Conferences of the European Community (COMECE) has said. Describing as “unacceptable” the attempts by some countries to evade their responsibilities, the…

American television host and actor Mario Lopez has described Pope Francis as the “biggest star you could get” ahead of his trip to the US next week. The former Saved by the Bell actor said the Pope was “universally respected” and was considered by Catholics and non-Catholics alike as a “spiritual leader”. “He’s provoked conversation…

Some of the youth group taking part in the annual pilgrimage to Lourdes with the Diocese of Meath Michael Smith and participating clergy.

Pope Francis is in “very good form” and while a papal visit to Ireland may seem unlikely for the moment, he continues to pray for the Irish according to the Bishop of Waterford & Lismore.  Bishop Phoncie Cullinan said it was “a beautiful, unforgettable moment” to meet Pope Francis last week while attending a course…

Next week’s National Ploughing Championships offer the Diocese of Kildare & Leighlin a unique opportunity to “reach out” to the masses according to Bishop Denis Nulty.  “It is very important to reach out and for us to be in the field or in the marketplace,” Bishop Nulty told The Irish Catholic. “With over 279,000 people…

Fr Mike Shea, an Irish-American Redemptorist, has made an appeal for funding as more and more children orphaned by HIV/AIDS arrive at his orphanage in Thailand. Fr Shea, whose grandparents were from Ventry in Co. Kerry, is ministering to 145 girls and boys of all ages in Sarnelli House Orphanage, near Nong Khai. Thailand is…

The Irish Catholic would like to express our sincere sympathy to the family and friends of Mrs Bridie Rochford, a faithful reader and promoter of The Irish Catholic for over 60 years in John’s Lane Augustinian church in Dublin. May she rest in peace.

Lay visitation teams are setting out two-by-two this week to call to all the homes in a Co. Derry parish, in an initiative to reach out and welcome people back to the Church.  The aim of the ‘Big Invite’ is to offer a personal invitation to return to the Faith to the more than 80%…