I was married on the Feast of the Annunciation, March 25, many moons ago, back in the 1970s. Friends said “You’re mad! Getting hitched at the end of the tax year – such bad timing!” I have always borne in mind, ever since, that money and fiscal policies often have quite an influence on matrimonial…
This year, the Christian churches can celebrate Easter together. But that is the exception. All efforts to find a common date have come to nothing. Bonn (KNA): The calendar provides a steep template: this year, the churches are celebrating the 1,500th anniversary of the Council of Nicea – and thus also the establishment of the…
There is a real need for good news, because society is wallowing in despair and meaninglessness, the bishop of Derry Donal McKeown has said. Speaking to The Irish Catholic in Derry, Dr McKeown said there is a need for Catholics to develop the confidence to engage as Catholics with our culture, to influence the culture…
Knock Shrine will officially launch its new €1.5m ‘Youth Village’ on June 14, providing a dedicated space for young people to gather, reflect, and take part in retreat programmes, the rector has said The village consists of ten accommodation pods, each designed for two people. According to Fr Richard Gibbons, Rector of Knock Shrine, the…
The final St Patrick’s Day address from President Michael D. Higgins was, as expected, a thoughtful and deeply reflective meditation on justice, solidarity, and shared humanity. Over the past 14 years, President Higgins has been a voice for the marginalised, the vulnerable, and those who seek a more compassionate world. His latest address stayed true…
The Irish Catholic Bishops’ Conference has published a timeline laid out by the ‘National Synodal Team’, which will culminate in Ireland’s first national Synodal assembly in October 2026. It noted the necessity of a “gradual process” built on dialogue and communal discernment, all of which it said is guided by the principles outlined in the…
A new Irishman named Patrick from Nigeria was among a group of pilgrims who prayed at St Patrick’s grave in Downpatrick, Co. Down, to mark his annual feast day. Patrick Ahaotu said St Patrick is patron of Nigeria and he has always celebrated March 17 as he was taught by Irish priests and the feast…
A record-breaking 10,800 attendees from across England and Wales gathered at the OVO Arena in London for ‘Flame 2025’ – a conference and concert for young Catholics and Christians of secondary-school age – on Saturday, March 15. With a plethora of celebrity guests and performers and 20 bishops in attendance, television star and survival expert…
The National Coordinator for the Irish Bishops’ Drugs Initiative (IBDI) said that communication at a young age is key to prevent vaping and smoking and that awareness needs to be raised. Darren Butler told The Irish Catholic children believe vaping is safe, as differently from alcohol and cigarettes, it has not been a part of…
A Religious vocation is not only a gift for the person but also a gift to the Church. A gift is always given on a happy occasion, and when one is offering his/her life to God as a gift, the thought comes up: What’s it like to be a happy religious in today’s world? It’s…
Mary Kenny
Chai Brady
Martina Purdy
Renata Steffens