Targeted supports needed for elderly in cost of living crisis A charity that supports older people to age at home have called for a “pandemic-like response” from the Government to help older people address the rising cost of living crisis. The charity Alone said in a statement that targeted measures are needed to support older…
Priest threatened in Mexico in area of increasing violence A priest involved with social and environmental causes in southern Mexico was threatened by gangs, the latest in a wave of increasing violence gripping the communities served by the Diocese of San Cristobal de Las Casas. Fr Matías Rodríguez Jiménez was threatened by five individuals on…
While Pope Francis and bishops around the world will consecrate themselves and all humanity to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, they will include the phrase, “especially Russia and Ukraine”. In the text of the Pope’s prayer sent to chanceries around the globe so that bishops can join the Pope March 25, a key passage for…
By Ronan Scully, Self Help Africa “What is happening is insane, what is happening is inhuman.” The wheels of trolley suitcases make a clack clack clack sound as they roll across the uneven pavements. The sound has become a soundtrack to the picturesque mountain village of Vysne Nemeche on Slovakia’s far eastern border. The daily…
Irish Catholics have a special onus to “fight even harder” to defend embattled Christians in the Middle East because of Ireland’s history of persecution. Multi award-winning war reporter and senior fellow at Yale University Janine di Giovanni told The Irish Catholic that Christian communities face an existential threat across Syria, Egypt, Iraq, Lebanon and Palestine,…
Irish religious are in contact with the Irish Government to offer housing and support for Ukrainian refugees, saying they will do whatever they can. The Association of Leaders of Missionaries and Religious of Ireland (AMRI) are in dialogue with the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth (DCEDIY), who are co-ordinating the housing of…
Italy’s central region of Lazio, which includes Rome, is offering up to €2,000 to couples who choose to marry there, as part of its ‘In Lazio with love’ scheme. The regional authorities have allocated €10 million in funds as part of their plans to support companies and services in the badly affected “wedding supply chain”…
There’s currently a map of Europe on display on social media asking the question ‘Would you fight for your own country?’ Perhaps an apt question during St Patrick’s week. Portugal and Spain are on 28% and 22% respectively, and Italy on 20%” According to this geographical graphic, 38% of people in the Republic of Ireland…
The Primate of All-Ireland joined with government leaders in the North of Ireland who issued a state apology to abuse victims, saying courage and perseverance brought their stories to light and “uncovered the enormity of harshness and brutality” they experienced. Archbishop Eamon Martin said on Friday: “On behalf of the Catholic Church in Ireland, I repeat…
Attendance at Sunday Mass is going to become an “essential expression of faith” after Easter Sunday, the Irish bishops’ conference have announced. It is more than two years since the Sunday obligation – the duty of Catholics to attend Mass on Sunday – was temporarily lifted at the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic in March…
Ruadhán Jones
Chai Brady
Mary Kenny