Public Masses across England, Wales and Scotland have been suspended indefinitely amid the coronavirus outbreak. The bishops’ conference of England and Wales announced last week that, as of March 20, there will be no public acts of worship. However, they said that churches would remain open for private prayer. “During these disturbing and threatening times,…
A Catholic from Indonesia has launched a crowdfunding portal to support the construction of churches and chapels in remote areas of the country. The portal, Jalakasih.com, was launched last week at Our Lady of Carmel Church in Jakarta by the Vinea Dei Foundation, a non-profit organisation founded by Albertus Tan in 2017. Tan is assisted…
Dear Editor, The local and global responses to the coronavirus are interesting, in that, here we have an invisible but real threat seen by its effects. Large efforts and vast resources are being deployed to counter this. I believe Christians and the Church particularly can learn a great deal from this fervour and realisation of…
Sunday’s Gospel Silvester O’Flynn OFM Cap. The story of the raising of Lazarus from the dead begins with a puzzling situation. When Jesus is told that his friend is seriously ill, he remains distant and aloof. It’s so unlike him. When eventually he goes to the house, Lazarus has died. The sisters Martha and…
Indian parish sews and distributes free face masks A Catholic parish in India has stepped in to distribute free face masks in response to a huge shortage and surge in prices due to the panic caused by the coronavirus. Little Flower Latin Church is on a mission to provide materials free of charge to other…
Inside the box Now more than ever you might wish there was something happening to keep you and your family occupied. Since almost everything is cancelled due to the coronavirus (Covid-19), museums are closed and it’s looking like all schools and colleges will be closed for the foreseeable future, it’s time to get creative. Walking…
A Wexford priest will be lighting a candle every day at about 8pm for all those involved in the fight against the coronavirus (Covid-19) as well as those affected. Speaking to The Irish Catholic, Fr Tom Dalton PP of Riverchapel parish in the Diocese of Ferns said he found “great solace in it”. “I’ve decided…
Pope establishes a new law for the Vatican Pope Francis has created a new law that will regulate the judicial system of the Vatican City State. The new law, announced last week, will provide greater independence for the judiciary and simplify judicial processes. According to a statement from the Holy See Press Office, the new…
ChaiBrady,Róise McGagh and Aron Hegarty Irish churches plan on staying open as places of prayer during the coronavirus scare, so long as authorities permit it. It comes as Pope Francis pleaded for churches to remain open for people. Bishop of Waterford and Lismore Dr Phonsie Cullinan told The Irish Catholic that it is important…
Letter from America Christopher White One of the more intriguing events that takes place during the US presidential election cycle every four years is the annual Al Smith Memorial Foundation dinner, which has traditionally brought together the leading two contenders with the Archbishop of New York sandwiched in between them, responsible for keeping the…