The leaders of religious orders around the world are taking very seriously not only preparations for the Synod of Bishops assembly in 2023, but the whole idea of making the Church more ‘synodal’ – a place where everyone is called to prayer, discernment and responsibility for the Church and its mission. More than 500 leaders…
A Catholic diocese in Nigeria has announced “with joy” the release of a priest held captive for 40 days. The Diocese of Zaria in Kaduna State, northern Nigeria, said that Fr Felix Zakari Fidson was released on May 3, reported ACI Africa. Diocesan chancellor Fr Patrick Adikwu Odeh said: “With hearts filled with joy, we announce the return of…
NASA’s Crew-3 astronauts splash down safely The four members of NASA’s Crew-3 mission returned to Earth Friday after having spent six months on board the International Space Station (ISS). After a 38-minute freefall, the capsule slammed into the discernible atmosphere at nearly 5 miles per second. The SpaceX Crew Dragon carrying the four astronauts, three…
Current and former members of Accord Newbridge gathered to celebrate 50 years supporting marriages and relationships in the parish and wider area. Bishop of Kildare and Leighlin and President of Accord Catholic marriage care Denis Nulty celebrated Mass to mark the event, May 6. Bishop Nulty congratulated the members “on their commitment, dedication and their…
Swiss Guard recruits encouraged to ‘grow as Christians’ Pope Francis on Friday encouraged 36 new recruits of the Pontifical Swiss Guard to “grow as Christians” during their service in Rome. The Pope, who currently uses a wheelchair due to a knee condition, met with the new candidates for the world’s smallest but oldest standing army on May…
No organisation in history has made a more systematic or bigger contribution to healthcare worldwide than the Catholic Church, writes David Quinn In the row about the future of the National Maternity Hospital (NMH), Catholic healthcare has been unfairly demonised. The spectre has been raised that the Church will somehow exercise influence over the new…
Mark Wahlberg’s heartfelt faith-drama has a genuine Catholic spirit, writes Ruadhán Jones Hollywood loves a redemption story, the down-and-out who scales great heights from nowhere. Think Rocky; think Cool Runnings; and now, think Father Stu (2022, dir. Rosalind Ross). But while the life of a wannabe amateur boxer who goes to Hollywood seems ready to…
A parent’s perspective I’m delighted that, after two grim years, I can finally attend the annual Novena to Our Lady of Perpetual Help this year in my neighbouring parish of Newbridge, Co. Kildare. Nothing replaces attending these parish events and celebrations in person and no Zoom login is ever comparable to being present at Mass…
Hollywood star Mark Wahlberg opens up on the story behind the priest’s biopic What surprised you the most about Stu’s journey to priesthood? Mark Wahlberg: To say that Stu was rough around the edges is putting it mildly. He was beyond abrasive. People might use other ways and words to describe him, but even in…
The head of the Ukrainian Catholic Church said Russia’s reasons for attacking Ukraine are nothing more than an excuse to justify its ultimate goal of wiping out the country and its people. Archbishop Sviatoslav Shevchuk of Kyiv-Halych said that although Russian President Vladimir Putin has said “demilitarisation and denazification” are the primary reasons for invading…
Ruadhán Jones
David Quinn
Maria Byrne