Churches in Ireland are being encouraged to reflect on how they welcome migrants and displaced people at a conference organised by Tearfund Ireland this weekend. Emma Lynch of Tearfund Ireland told The Irish Catholic the event aims to bring “lessons… from churches in Lebanon” to an Irish context, particularly as displacement rises globally and tensions…
Faithful in Ireland and abroad have been praying for Irish missionary Sr Briege McKenna, who has been ill. The 80-year-old nun is famous for her miraculous healing at 24 and is associated with the miraculous healing of people. In an announcement on March 15, St Jude the Apostle Cathedral, Florida, US, announced the sister’s health…
John Furlong of Crooke, Co. Waterford was honoured with a Papal Benemerenti medal, presented to him by Bishop Alphonsus Cullinan at a special Mass over the weekend. The Papal Benemerenti medal, awarded by Pope Leo, honours laity with exceptional dedication to the Catholic Church and community. Mr Furlong’s contribution to parish life, specifically his service…
Assisi has always drawn crowds. But this year is different. As the Church marks the 800th anniversary of the death of St Francis, almost 450,000 pilgrims have registered to venerate the mortal remains of the Poverello of Assisi during a rare, month-long public display in the Basilica of St Francis. Among the Franciscan friars welcoming…
Last week, I was in Cambrai, France, with colleagues from across the globe for a meeting of the executive committee of the World Union of Catholic Teachers. I have the privilege of serving as its academic advisor, and of all the meetings and organisations I attend, this one always stands out because its focus is…
Laity and clergy in Armagh are preparing to gather for a historic archdiocesan congress on youth, family and faith this weekend, March 20-22. The congress, which invites people to reflect upon what it means to be “St Patrick’s people in Ireland today”, focuses on seven priorities identified in conversations with young adults, young families and…
So now, according to a new study, men are to blame for the dramatic fall in births all over Europe and the developed world. According to the report ‘Baby Bust’ (as opposed to ‘baby boom’), published by the Centre for Social Justice in London, the slow maturing of young men these days is what’s causing…
A protest outside Belfast City Hall at the weekend has drawn attention to proposed city centre by-laws that campaigners say could restrict pro-life outreach, street preaching and public expression. Around 100 people gathered for the demonstration organised by Liberty NI, with speakers aiming to raise awareness of the proposals among the wider public. Speaking to…
I was baptised in a converted aeroplane hangar – and I’m always ready for take-off, though sometimes I have crash-landed and messed up my baptismal gown! I was clothed in Christ at St Agnes’ Church, which was built in Belfast after the Second World War. I almost missed my take-off. “You’re too late,” the priest…
Darragh Kelehan’s journey towards running prayer groups, pilgrimages to Medjugorje, and Life in the Spirit seminars has not been linear. Mr Kelehan, who was born and raised in the Catholic faith in Blanchardstown, turned away from God in his adolescence, and it took him 21 years and the ability to completely surrender himself to bring…
Renata Steffens
Mary Kenny
Martina Purdy