Carl E. Olson It is something of a tradition for magazines and newspapers to run articles about the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ in the weeks leading up to Easter. Scholars, pastors, skeptics and ordinary people weigh in with their opinions. Some argue the Resurrection never took place. Down through time there have…
Month: April 2024
Diocesan shake-up: What do these changes mean?
As with most things ecclesiastical, change comes slowly and the last three papal nuncios pushed the Irish hierarchy to reduce the number of dioceses as priests numbers collapsed and attendance began to dwindle. The bishops for the most part resisted and the Vatican had a long running stand-off with them. This new nuncio, Archbishop Luis…
Dublin diocese gets second auxiliary in shock announcement
Dublin diocese is set to get a second auxiliary bishop, after Pope Francis announced Bishop Paul Dempsey will move from his position in Achonry as part of seismic changes in the Church in Ireland. Bishop Dempsey takes on the role of auxiliary alongside Bishop-elect Donal Roche, whose appointment was only announced last month.
Papal Nuncio: Ireland’s Western dioceses must ‘pool resources’ to increase vitality
As four dioceses in the West merge, the Papal Nuncio to Ireland said the seismic changes were needed to meet “new challenges” facing the Church, “pooling resources” to increase vitality.
Pope announces seismic changes for dioceses in the West not seen for 1,000 years
Pope Francis has announced monumental changes to the leadership of dioceses in the West of Ireland in a move that has long been expected, but has come suddenly. There will now only be three bishops in the whole of the West ecclesiastical province of Tuam after the biggest shake-ups of dioceses for almost 1,000 years.…
Israel calls up reservists again after threats from Iran
An escalation between Israel and Iran has been considered a possible scenario since the beginning of the Gaza war. Following the killing of high-ranking Iranian military personnel by the Israelis, Tehran has now threatened to retaliate. Jerusalem (KNA): Following threats from Iran, Israel has strengthened its air defence and called up reservists. In addition, weekend…
Easter converts ‘fabulous’ for Ireland’s parishes
Ruadhán Jones and Chai Brady Dozens of adults and young people were welcomed into the Church in Ireland over Easter weekend, with parishes praising the “great signs” of hope these conversions bring for local communities. Many of the new converts are young people who have come to Ireland to make their home and through the…
Lessons in patience on a Jordan journey
Two things especially struck me on my recent visit to Jordan: one was the respect, even reverence, accorded to Christian holy places. And the other was the way in which the Muslim people in Jordan observed their own Ramadan traditions. Fasting Most people my son Ed and I encountered when travelling in this peaceful, stable…
Sad scenes at Derry parade show children ‘groomed’ for violence – peace priest
The scenes of young people carrying petrol bombs during a parade in Derry on Easter Monday were “sad and shocking”, highlighting how the young are “groomed” for violence, a prominent peace priest has warned. Police said they saw evidence of youths preparing petrol bombs before an illegal dissident republican parade in Creggan, Co. Derry, on…
White House creates Easter furore with annual transgender message, contest rules
A proclamation from the nation’s second Catholic president on a transgender-themed occasion is causing consternation among some faithful, as the date coincides this year with Easter – and as the annual White House Easter egg art contest bans, among other things, religious symbolism. On March 29, President Joe Biden issued his annual message for the…


Chai Brady
Ruadhán Jones



Mary Kenny


