Easter 2022 has come and gone, trailing both satisfaction and disappointment in its wake. Some were convinced the crowds would return this Easter, given that this year provided the first set of Holy Week ceremonies permitted in Irish parishes since Easter 2019. Some reported more people than expected, many more parishes reported fewer. I was…
Vatican clears Polish cardinal of abuse cover-up allegations The Vatican has wrapped up its own investigation and dismissed allegations that Polish Cardinal Stanislaw Dziwisz had covered up cases of the sexual abuse of minors by clergy in his archdiocese. In a written statement released April 22, the Apostolic Nunciature in Poland said the Vatican found…
Dear Editor, Thanks to you and the team for the brilliant coverage of the Ukraine crisis from the border in Poland [The Irish Catholic – April 21, 2022]. It really highlights the wonderful efforts Catholic religious orders and charities are doing to help the millions of refugees escaping the war, most of which have gone…
The very mixed emotions experienced by priests in pastoral ministry as they deal with the ups and downs of their parishioners often leads to a wry, even black humour. Behind it often lies a deeper message. I remember a priest saying to me once of another cleric: “oh, he doesn’t suffer from depression – but…
Marta Osborne Recently in an argument my husband said that I only see the things he doesn’t do and don’t appreciate his efforts enough. What can I do to improve our communication and avoid becoming overly critical? It just so happens that we find it easier to criticise people close to us than to praise…
Chai Brady and Jason Osborne Religious in Poland have praised the Church in Ireland’s response to the Ukraine crisis after €3.25 million was raised by parishes. Poland has taken in almost three million Ukrainian refugees, more than any other country. The Irish Catholic visited several sites where Church-charity Caritas and religious orders operate on the…
Brandon Scott and Ruadhán Jones The return of Easter celebrations to churches was a “very joyful occasion”, parishes across the country have said, with large attendances at all Easter liturgies. It was the first time in three years that parishes could celebrate Holy Week in person due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Joyful Fr Bernard Healy…
Staff reporter Ireland must not ignore the “forgotten” crises affecting millions of people all over the world, Trócaire’s CEO has said. The Irish charity’s statement came as they thanked the Irish people for their “incredible support” for this year’s Lent campaign, asking people to return their boxes to their local church. Devastating Trócaire CEO Caoimhe…
The 2022 Masters Tournament winner Scottie Scheffler spoke with reporters directly after his victory and revealed how God provides the motivation for him to flourish on the course. The 25-year-old Texan, who eclipsed Irish golfers Shane Lowry and Rory McIlroy to claim victory, frequently references his faith on social media and used his win and…
“Intolerant secularising forces” want to remove Christianity from the public sphere, particularly education, Bishop Donal McKeown warned in his Easter homily. The bishop of Derry said that the “new intolerant secular dogma” wants to portray Christianity as an evil force. “All sorts of agendas insist that faith is a conduit of culturally unacceptable teachings for…
Michael Kelly
Ruadhán Jones