Dear Editor, I am pleased to see the result of your social media poll (IC 05/03/2020), that 85% of respondents are in favour of the Irish Church not cancelling Masses over coronavirus fears. The overall view, it was reported, is that Mass is needed now in Ireland more than ever. This response echoes the statement…
Easter Camps Looking to occupy kids over the two-week break for Easter? There are plenty of camps all over the country to choose from, some are one week long and others run for two. The break can be a great opportunity for kids to try out something new or spend time at a hobby. There’s…
Church bells ring around Waterford for prayer and solidarity Bells were rung in churches throughout Co. Waterford on St Patrick’s Day as a call to prayer and social solidarity. The Bishop of Waterford and Lismore Phonsie Cullinan dedicated the prayers to those affected by the coronavirus (Covid-19) and asked Our Lady to “intercede for us”.…
Pope rules out East Timor visit, other trips doubtful The Vatican representative to East Timor says a visit by Pope Francis to the region has been cancelled due to the coronavirus, with other possible trips likely to be scrapped as well. Msgr Marco Sprizzi, Chargé d’Affaires of the Apostolic Nunciature, told reporters in Dili that…
The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes has closed for the first time in over a century following new restrictions in France to slow the spread of the coronavirus (Covid-19). “For the first time in its history, the sanctuary will close its doors for a while. Pray with us the novena to the Immaculate,” Msgr…
While many are stuck at home during the coronavirus pandemic, Pope Francis says that there are many small acts of love and kindness one can do for others without leaving the house. “We must rediscover the concreteness of little things, small gestures of attention we can offer those close to us, our family, our friends.…
These are unprecedented times and prayer is needed now more than ever to carry humanity over the threshold of this darkness. Churches have been closed to dissuade congregations from gathering and spreading Covid-19, a novel coronavirus now known to affect the elderly and those with underlying health conditions severely. Masses have been restricted or outright…
All public Masses and liturgical celebrations in Italy have been suspended until April 3 following an announcement by the Italian bishops’ conference at the weekend. On March 8 the country’s bishops postponed all religious activities amid growing fears surrounding the coronavirus outbreak, after the Italian government ordered the closure of all schools, cinemas, museums, gyms…
Leah Darrow, once an America’s Next Top Model contestant (2004), looks beyond physical beauty in an extract from her new book. My decision to audition for America’s Next Top Model wasn’t exactly well thought out. In fact, I had only watched a few minutes of the previous cycle before I decided to audition in St…
The Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem has issued special guidelines after several people in Bethlehem tested positive for the coronavirus last week. The directive comes after a decision by the Palestinian Ministry of Health to close all schools, places of worship and holy sites in Bethlehem and Jericho for two weeks. Pastoral region In a letter…