As conflict and economic hardship continue to plague Sudan and South Sudan, the Catholic bishops are calling on the governments of both countries to exempt the Catholic Church from taxes, in order to enable it to accomplish its missions more effectively. In his opening remarks at the start of the meeting of the Episcopal Conference…
Several years ago, a Presbyterian minister I know challenged his congregation to open its doors and its heart more fully to the poor. Initially the congregation responded with enthusiasm and a number of programs were introduced to invite people from the less-privileged economic areas of the city, including a number of street-people, to come to…
The Word became flesh for us to save us by reconciling us with God, who “loved us and sent his Son to be the expiation for our sins.” Our nature demanded to be healed. The Word became flesh so that thus we might know God’s love: “In this the love of God was made manifest…
With the European Union poised to ease sanctions on Syria following the ouster of its former governing regime last fall, Europe’s bishops have urged the protection of persecuted communities and investment in rebuilding. In a February 19 statement, Bishop Mariano Crociata of Latina and President of the Commission of the Bishops’ Conferences of the European…
In early February, newly appointed Minister for Education, Helen McEntee, announced the final phase of the free textbook scheme. The scheme now extends from primary schools to all post-primary students except those attending fee-charging institutions at a cost so far of €191 million. The Department of Social Protection has instituted free hot school lunches for…
Armagh school celebrated the opening of a new multi-purpose sports hall and modular classrooms on Wednesday, February 19. Foley Primary School in Ballymacnab received Education Minister Paul Givan and Archbishop Eamon Martin amongst other guests for the occasion. The £1.1 million investment project includes the multi-purpose sports hall, two mobile classrooms, new school central heating…
The war in Ukraine has now been raging for three years with hundreds of thousands dead and injured on both sides. A few weeks after the invasion began, I wrote a piece for this newspaper that I think has aged very well. I said: “Here is one very plausible scenario if peace is not arrived…
When I was asked to contribute to The Irish Catholic series of articles on exploring the challenges of being a priest in Ireland today, I was a bit hesitant as I have never done anything like that before. Then I thought to myself after 43 years in ministry I surely have something to say from…
Since the ceiling of a historical church in Salvador, Bahia state, fell and killed a tourist on February 5, government agencies have already shut down 12 churches in the city under risk of collapsing. Definite solutions for the crisis of conservation of ancient churches in the city, however, are not visible yet. The incident at…
The Divine Mercy Conference held at the RDS in Dublin this year saw a record turnout, with over 9000 attendees from all walks of life, including many young people. The event was sold out from early in the morning. There was a variety of stands representing different missions and apostolates across the country from religious…
Fr Ronald Rolheiser
Renata Milán Morales
Breda O'Brien
Renata Steffens
David Quinn