Cardinal Donald Wuerl, archbishop emeritus of Washington DC who stepped down in 2018 amid scandal, received over $2 million from the archdiocese last year for unspecified “ministry activities” an investigation has found. A March 3 examination of the archdiocese’s financial records by The Pillar found that Cardinal Wuerl was allocated $2,012,639 for “continuing ministry activities”…
The Dead of the Irish Revolution by Eunan O’Halpin and Daithí Ó Corráin (Yale University Press, £50.00 /$65.00) Felix M. Larkin The stated objective of this book is to answer “an elementary question: how many people died as a result of Irish-related political violence between 1916 and 1921?” It does that, and much more. It puts…
Catholic bishops said the Covid-19 pandemic is exacerbating an already grave imbalance in living conditions and opportunities, alongside an “unbridled race to exploit hydrocarbons” in its parks and nature reserves. “We are concerned about a degradation of the political discourse that threatens a collapse in the national unity, reconciliation, justice and peace, which have been…
Amid the rubble and bombed out remains of four churches destroyed by Islamic State militants, Pope Francis paid tribute to Iraqi Christians who endured persecution and even death. But visiting Mosul and Qaraqosh in northern Iraq on Sunday, he also urged the Christians to live up to their faith and honour the sacrifice of those…
The move to allow homeless people from outside Dublin access to hostels has been welcomed by Fr Peter McVerry, who said it’ll “make a big difference” to those on the capital’s streets who come from outside Dublin. This comes in the wake of the RTÉ Investigates which revealed that homeless people in the capital were…
Archbishop Jude Thaddeus Ruwa’ichi of Dar es Salaam told Catholic News Service it was time for the country to accept that Covid-19 exists, noting that denying the truth has led to loss of lives and a lot of people getting sick. “Covid-19 is still with us and we should stop being careless,” he said. “Let…
Living Laudato Si’ Lent has always invited us into a desert experience, but this year we are experiencing a real wilderness. The pandemic has forced us all into spaces where we are faced with big questions and worries. In Pope Francis’ new book, Let Us Dream, he says that to enter into crisis is to…
Pope appeals for end to violence in Myanmar Pope Francis appealed for an end to deadly violence against protesters in Myanmar, calling on the military junta to free political prisoners and let dialogue and the journey toward democracy prevail. Appealing to those now ruling the nation – the government was overthrown in a military coup…
The Sunday Gospel Fr Silvester O’Flynn OFM Cap. “Rejoice, Jerusalem, and all who love her. Be joyful, all you who were in mourning; exult and be satisfied at her consoling breast.” The entrance antiphon for today’s Mass is the perfect antidote to any darkness or frustration one might be feeling as the lockdown continues. The…
Dear Editor, Fair play to the Minister for Mental Health Mary Butler for acknowledging the importance of Mass for people of faith’s mental health [IC 04/03/2021] but to be honest it’s too little too late. For a large part of the last year we have been denied the sacraments. I understand the reason for the…