Famous Jewish actor and comedian Gad Elmaleh has announced his conversion to Catholicism, saying that Our Lady played a crucial role and that she is his “most beautiful love”. A big star in France and further afield, Mr Elmaleh has starred in several big hits, including Midnight in Paris, Priceless, Coco and La Doublure. His…

Tributes have poured in for the renowned historian, author and lecturer Dr Éamon Phoenix who made a “unique contribution to the peace process”, following his death this week. Belfast-based Dr Phoenix was an expert in the history of Ireland and Northern Ireland. He was a former teacher in St Malachy’s College, Belfast, and lectured in…

Staff Reporter Academic selection in the North of Ireland “disadvantages the already disadvantaged” according to new research from Queen’s University Belfast (QUB). Called ‘Is academic selection in Northern Ireland a barrier to social cohesion?’, the paper discusses the tests used by grammar schools to select pupils. Transfer tests began on Saturday November 12 and will…

Plans to redevelop the Catholic Chaplaincy site at Queen’s University Belfast have been submitted, with work due to start at the end of the present academic year. Speaking to The Irish Catholic newspaper, Catholic chaplain to QUB Fr Dominic McGrattan said it’s coming “at a time of real growth for us”. “We’re celebrating our 50th…

Politicians have expressed concerns about the “subjectivity” and “lack of clarity” present in the proposed ‘hate crime’ legislation, which will add gender, including gender expression and identity, and disability to a list of “protected characteristics”. Speaking to The Irish Catholic newspaper, Independent TD for Clare Michael McNamara said that he has concerns about the bill…

Staff Writer A novena with addresses from special guests has started up as the month’s mind Masses for the victims of the October 7 explosion in Creeslough come to an end, with Fr John Joe Duffy saying that the intention is to bring about healing for a hurting community. Former Tyrone manager Mickey Harte is…

Bikers from across the country gathered on November 6 to remember Fr John Kearns, an active member of motorbiking organisations before his death in December 2021. Fr Kearns was chairperson of the Bikers’ Memorial Committee, which organised the November 6 event, up until his death from cancer aged 64. Newly elected chairperson Annmarie Marshall paid…

Limerick parishes offer prayers for Vicky Phelan Parishes in Limerick have offered prayers for cervical cancer campaigner Vicky Phelan, who died on Monday aged 48. “You will always be remembered for your strength and bravery, you were inspirational to so many,” the parishes of Donoughmore, Knockea and Roxboro in Ms Phelan’s home county, Limerick, said…

“Out ethos won’t change”, a Catholic-founded hospice has promised as it becomes one of four hospices entering into a closer alignment with the HSE. The CEO of Milford Care Centre, founded by the Little Company of Mary, has said a new funding arrangement with the HSE will not affect the hospice’s independence. “Our ethos won’t…