The Diocese of Limerick has announced a series of clerical appointments for 2025, with Bishop Brendan Leahy outlining what he described as a “trinity of positive change” in response to the continuing decline in vocations to the priesthood in Ireland. The threefold strategy includes promoting vocations among Irish young people, welcoming priests from other countries…
Trócaire’s CEO Caoimhe de Barra is leaving 25 years after joining the organisation, in which she was Chief Executive Officer for seven years. Ms de Barra will now take up a new role with the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission (IHREC). “The decision to leave Trócaire was not an easy one but after some consideration I felt the time…
By Marion Hausmann Ireland was reconsecrated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus last Sunday by Archbishop Eamon Martin of Armagh during Mass at the Basilica of Our Lady Queen of Ireland in Knock. Pope Leo XIV sent his blessings from the Vatican, praying, “that this solemn occasion will provide a grace-filled opportunity for all…
Two dreadful votes happened in the House of Commons in Britain last week. The Bills a majority of MPs voted in favour of must now go to the House of Lords. If that hurdle is cleared, the first Bill will mean that women in England and Wales will be able to abort their babies at…
Candles still flicker in Bethlehem, prayers are still whispered in Nablus, and weary hearts still dare to hope that peace might yet come to this land, writes Justin Robinson OSB In searching for words that capture the spirit of our times, many in the Middle East turn to a line by Antonio Gramsci that feels as…
Almost a century ago, his great great grandfather donated the land for the national monument to St Patrick at Saul, Co. Down. And now, his namesake, Thomas John Hampton is set to become the first priest in four decades to be ordained in the parish of Saul, the place where St Patrick began his mission…
By Frank Russell Each May since 1958 thousands of military personnel from European countries and beyond descend on the small town of Lourdes in the southwest of France to celebrate the International Military Pilgrimage there. This unique pilgrimage was initiated to celebrate the 100th Anniversary of the Apparition of Our Lady in 1858 to…
Usually, when a child is born, people rejoice. Victor-Hugo even wrote a famous poem about it – “Quand l’enfant paraît” – describing the admiring circle of family and friends appearing around a new life. But in the case of an infant boy in Georgia, US, named ‘Chance’, his recent birth has been hailed by one…
“She’s a donkey that carries gold and that gold is from God,” said filmmaker Juan Pablo Fajer Navarro describing Blessed Maria Concepción Cabrera Arias de Armida (also known as Conchita) “using her own words.” Mr Navarro produced an acted documentary telling the story of this laywoman who changed the Catholic Church in Mexico. Conchita was…
As Christians there is the pastoral dimension which we are mandated by our faith to fulfil in our service to others, writes Tony Carroll It has been a difficult few weeks for those living, working and supporting loved ones in nursing homes. The ninety percent of Ireland’s thirty thousand nursing home residents who had previously…
Chai Brady
Renata Steffens
David Quinn
Martina Purdy
Mary Kenny