An Italian Catholic priest was freed on October 8, two years after he was kidnapped by a jihadist group. The office of the president of Mali announced the liberation of Fr Pierluigi Maccalli, a member of the Society of African Missions. He was one of four hostages released this week by fighters believed to be…
The Dominicans in Meath “rejoiced and celebrated” with Sr Maria Breidge as she made her first profession last week. Sr Breidge was a founding member of Mary’s Meals in her native Donegal and a supporter of their many fund-raising walks to Knock. It was on one of these walks that she began to consider her…
The treatment that President Donald Trump has received to fight Covid-19 has turned the focus on an experimental drug that shows promise in combating the coronavirus but is raising ethical questions about the cell line that helped researchers develop the medicine. At the centre of attention is the ‘cocktail’ of antibodies in the drug called…
The Church’s overseas aid agency Trócaire has welcomed the Government’s announcement this week to continue investment in the development budget. Following Tuesday’s budget, Caoimhe de Barra, Trócaire’s Chief Executive said: “We understand the Government is budgeting in deeply uncertain times and we are pleased that they have demonstrated an understanding for the need to continue…
Hindu groups in India are planning to launch a nationwide campaign to curb religious conversion, which they claim is a form of violence and a crime. Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and its affiliate Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) say religious conversion is rampant in tribal-dominated areas and they plan to bring those converted back to the…
RTÉ are set to broadcast on radio and TV the Irish Kidney Association’s first virtual and 35th Annual Service of Remembrance and Thanksgiving for organ donors on Sunday, November 15. The interdenominational service, which will be pre-recorded at Newman University Church, will be celebrated by Fr Gary Chamberland of the church, and will feature a…
Pope to Moneyval: merchants must be prevented from ‘speculating’ in the temple It is a task which is “particularly dear to my heart”, carried out “to promote a ‘clean finance’, in which the ‘merchants’ are prevented from speculating in that sacred ‘temple’ which is humanity”. Pope Francis made that remark on Thursday in an address to…
An appreciation by Felix M. Larkin Sr Margaret MacCurtain, who died on October 5, aged 91, was an outstanding academic historian, but was better known to the public at large as a feminist and social activist. She taught for 30 years in University College Dublin, where she was revered by generations of students. A member…
Dear Editor, I would like to congratulate you on the publication of the article [IC 25/06/2020] by Dr Noel Keating. Dr Keating begins his study by making a brief reference to Thomas Merton or Fr Louis, which was the name given to him in ordination as a Trappist monk in Gethsemani, Kentucky, US. Merton was…
The Northern Ireland Mixed Marriage Association welcome Irish funding The chairman of NIMMA has welcomed “well-timed funding” from the Irish Government, one of the Associations most consistent funders. The Irish Government’s Department of Foreign Affairs has pledged a total of €5000 to help cover some of NIMMA’s running costs. Chairman Ken Dunn said, “We are…