The woman convicted of gun offences who was employed in Catherine Connolly’s Dáil office in 2019 was invited to address an Oireachtas committee in 2024, it has emerged. Ursula Ní Shionnáin – who holds a PhD in sociolinguistics- addressed TDs and Senators on the Oireachtas Committee for the Gaeltacht and the Irish Language and discussed…
Two years ago, we watched with horror what had happened to innocent Israeli citizens as they enjoyed a music festival. Since then, we have witnessed the daily news from Gaza and shook our heads in disbelief: bombed hospitals, broken homes, frightened children. Now, at last, there are signs of hope — the announcement of a…
Following the official announcement of a ceasefire in Gaza, Trócaire partner Caritas Jerusalem was among the first humanitarian organisations to respond, acting swiftly to meet the urgent needs of families and children across the Strip. Within days of the ceasefire, Caritas Jerusalem mobilised its medical teams in Gaza to deliver 10,000 cans of infant formula to families with newborns and young children…
Egypt has waged bitter wars against Israel and suffered devastating defeats. In 1978, Cairo dared to take the path to peace. Today, the Arab country is indispensable as a mediator in the Middle East conflict. “No war against Israel without Egypt, no peace without Syria” – for a long time this was the geostrategic rule…
After Donald Trump’s praise in Israel, theologians warn against mythologising the US president. The comparison with Cyrus the Great after the hostage release is theologically and politically questionable. Biblical scholars have criticised religious praise of US President Donald Trump in Israel. Irmtraud Fischer, Professor of the Old Testament in Graz, told the Catholic News Agency…
Church blessings for queer and remarried couples: in the Catholic diocese of Aachen, this will be officially possible in future. There had recently been discussions about the corresponding guidelines. The diocese of Aachen is now offering blessings for couples regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity or marital status. Bishop Helmut Dieser explained the handout of…
It was a breathless night in Tel Aviv: Hundreds gathered in the evening to eagerly await the release of the hostages. After hours of waiting, a first sigh of relief – the first ones are free! The clock is ticking. Shortly after midnight, the digital red digits on the square in front of the museum…
On 9 October 2025, The Irish Catholic published an article which purported to quote Maria Steen and to summarise her views as contained in an opinion piece published under her name on the same date. The Irish Catholic accepts that its article misrepresented Mrs Steen’s views and inadvertently falsely attributed remarks to her that she…
It is one of the most valuable libraries in the world – and open to scholars: Not only Christian researchers are welcome in the Vatican Library. Muslims can find “incredibly old Korans” here, says its deputy director. Even in the most important library in Christendom, Muslims do not have to give up their prayers. “Of…
A vast and joyful congregation gathered under autumn skies on October 5 to mark a momentous milestone — the Golden Jubilee of the restoration of the historic Holycross Abbey in Co. Tipperary. The ancient stones of the Abbey seemed to glow with renewed life as Archbishop Kieran O’Reilly, Archbishop of Cashel and Emly, described the…