The postulator and the commission involved in investigating the life of Pope John Paul II for his sainthood cause found no evidence that the Pontiff knowingly neglected or covered up abuse scandals, the postulator said. Msgr Slawomir Oder, the promoter of the cause, told reporters in Rome during an online meeting that he and investigators…
In preparation for Monday’s resumption of public liturgies in Italy and a morning Mass with Pope Francis at the tomb of St John Paul II, Vatican workers cleaned and sanitised the inside of St. Peter’s Basilica on Friday. Vatican workers also will sanitise the other basilicas in Rome: St John Lateran, St Mary Major and…
Chai Brady and Róise McGagh Bishops have expressed cautious optimism for a return to public Masses before the Government’s July 20 target. At the same time, there has been a welcome for the decision of the northern Executive to put the reopening of churches as a key priority in easing lockdown in the region.…
Actor Pierce Brosnan has said that his Irish Catholic Faith has kept him in “good stead” through the ups and downs of his life. The James Bond star, who turns 67 at the weekend, was speaking on the Late Late Show in support of Pieta House and about the importance of Faith. Mr Brosnan recalled growing up…
Traditionally, the annual blessing of graves at Milltown Cemetery would have taken place on the second Sunday in May. However, because of the current pandemic and subsequent restrictions on movement and gatherings, it was necessary to adopt a different approach to the blessing of the graves this year. To mark the occasion, Bishop Noel Treanor [pictured] privately…
Bishop of Elphin Kevin Doran has warned that public health officials must balance the benefits of coronavirus restrictions on older people alongside the contribution over-70s make to communities. Under State guidelines, older people are now permitted to exercise daily but are still expected to avoid other public contact including with family members. Bishop Doran told…
An influential umbrella organisation for bishops across the European Union has warned that restrictions on public Masses and other ceremonies are a risk to religious freedom. In a statement the Commission of the Bishops’ Conferences of the European Union (COMECE) has that basic freedom is at stake in the continent’s battle with the coronavirus. Fr…
The Vatican’s decision to allow the Sisters of Charity to gift lands to the State worth €200m for the new National Maternity Hospital has been dubbed “just wrong” as abortion will take place there. Moral theologians previously urged Rome to block the handover. Following the order’s announcement of the Holy See’s approval to transfer ownership…
Dioceses across Ireland have begun working on their own roadmaps for a return to public Masses. Archbishop Eamon Martin said at the weekend that “our parishes and dioceses have now begun to draw up their plans and ‘roadmaps’ for a return to collective prayer as soon as it is safe to do so. “It has…
I’m fascinated by the cycle of history and the way in which things discarded as outdated often come back into fashion again. The classic example is the tram: declared redundant in 1949, the city tram has returned as a wonderfully efficient and environmentally-friendly form of public transport. And now the wretched coronavirus is producing a…
Michael Kelly
Chai Brady
Mary Kenny