A Dublin-based charity has vowed that it will continue to carry its food services for the most vulnerable despite the coronavirus. However, while Merchants Quay Ireland said it will still offer urgent essentials at its Riverbank base as take-away, all other activities such as hot showers, counselling and contact work must be restricted. The homeless…
The number of Catholics are increasing worldwide as well as permanent bishops and deacons, but priests, seminarians and religious figures are decreasing, according to recent statistics. These findings were released by the Churches’ Central Statistics Office, which drafts the Pontifical Yearbook 2020 and the Annuarium Statisticum Eccleasiae 2018, last week. Between the years 2013 and 2018, there…
Perhaps the one traditional trait that is left to some of us is that we know how to endure, writes Pól Ó Muirí We have been here before. Writing in his diary in 1961, the poet Seán Ó Ríordáin notes: “An fliú sa chathair agus, de réir na dtuairiscí, ar fud na tíre.” Flu…
A bishop in South Africa has highlighted the need to identify the root cause of violence against women in order to overcome the societal challenge facing the country. Bishop Sithembele Sipuka of Mthatha, president of the Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference, was speaking last week about the alarming rates of gender-based killings targeting women and…
Christopher White The belief that Catholic social thought requires valuing human life and dignity over economic concerns during this coronavirus (Covid-19) crisis was the widespread consensus among Catholic leaders during a recent US online forum. The range of voices included a small business owner, healthcare professionals, a policy expert and a priest – all…
A Catholic media group in India has initiated a campaign to feed the poor as a government-imposed lockdown has forced hundreds living on the streets to go hungry. The ‘feed a stomach’ campaign, which was started by internet telecast Atmadarshan (soul light) TV based in Indore city, was launched to provide food to the homeless…
The Pro Life Campaign in Ireland has launched an outreach initiative to support older members of the community this week. The Outreach project, unveiled on March 31, calls on volunteers to participate and help those feeling isolated and alone during the coronavirus (Covid-19) crisis. “Given the limitations to the work that can be done in…
Caoimhe de Barra Today, as the world joins together to battle the coronavirus (Covid-19), we are reminded how connected we are. We are one human family who share God’s earth together. We have the same hopes. Today, we face the same fear. But this fear can be overcome by us acting together, in solidarity…
Mindful Living Noel Keating This monthly column is focused on the benefits of meditation for adults and children alike. The practical benefits have been demonstrated beyond doubt through scientific research over recent decades. The regular practice of meditation gives rise to physical, psychological, emotional and cognitive benefits. For this reason, meditation is now regarded…
Bishops in the Philippines have joined civil authorities in inviting the faithful to pray for doctors and health workers who are “on the frontline” fighting against the coronavirus (Covid-19). President Rodrigo Duterte declared the fourth week of March ‘National Prayer Week’ to spiritually unite Filipinos of all faiths and religions amid the threat of Covid-19.…