Why the Irish Church Deserves to Die. Ballyfermot-based priest Fr Joe McDonald could hardly have chosen a more inflammatory title for his first book, calling for Irish Catholics to embrace the reality of a dying Church and work for a resurrection. The title’s not idly chosen, he says, explaining how there’s a point in the book…
With the World Meeting of Families now less than a year away, it wasn’t surprising that this year’s Faith and Life Convention in the Diocese of Down and Connor should have focused in large part on the theme of family, not least as expressed in Amoris Laetitia, Pope Francis’ exhortation on marriage and the family.…
Centenary celebrations for historical Mayo church A Mass marking the centenary of St Patrick’s Church in Newport, Co. Mayo was celebrated by Fr Tod Nolan. Referencing the historical significance of the church, local historian Joe McDermott said: “St. Patrick’s Church on Barrack Hill dominates the town of Newport. The church was erected by John Sisk…
The Indian Catholic priest who recently met the Pope after being freed by kidnappers in Yemen met with the Indian Prime Minister after returning home. Fr Tom Uzhunnalil returned to India last week after being freed after 18 months of captivity. He met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other government officials. India’s foreign ministry…
Bishops from England and Wales met representatives from EU institutions to address issues and key concerns for the Church regarding Brexit. Bishop Nicholas Hudson led the delegation which discussed the importance of upholding human rights in trade deals, prisoner transfer rights, the North of Ireland and its border issues with the Republic of Ireland. They…
The President of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops expressed his sorrow at the news of the most lethal mass shooting the US has seen. A gunman killed over 50 people and hospitalised 400 in an attack on people attending a country western gig in Las Vegas last weekend. The suspect, Stephen Paddock (64),…
A renowned Irish songwriter has called on the Church to consecrate the ground at traditional sites where Ireland’s unbaptised children are buried. Brendan Graham, who won the Eurovision song contest twice with ‘Rock ‘n’ Roll Kids’ and ‘The Voice’ in 1994 and 1996, said it would be a massive thing for the Church to do.…
Spanish bishops have dubbed the government’s use of violence to stop a disputed referendum “deplorable” after hundreds of people were injured by riot police. More than 800 people were injured and many detained after the regional government of Spain’s Catalonia region attempted to hold an independence referendum. Catalan officials claimed that 90% of the votes…
Pope to focus on ‘fake news’ Given the strong divisions sparked and fueled by “fake news,” Pope Francis is highlighting the importance of truth in his message for World Communications Day. The message will call for studying the causes and consequences of baseless information and will promote “professional journalism”, which always seeks the truth and…
Scott Koenig holds his Yorkie, Yogi, as he receives a blessing during the Blessing of the Animals at the Franciscan Monastery of the Holy Land in America in Washington. The prayer service was celebrated in observance of the Oct. 4 feast of St. Francis of Assisi, patron saint of animals. Photo: CNS
Greg Daly
Chai Brady