Francis recognises new martyrs of the 20th Century Pope Francis has recognised the martyrdom of six religious priests and brothers and seven laypeople who were killed in the 20th Century “in hatred of the faith”, clearing the way for their beatification. Among the soon-to-be blesseds are three Spanish priests of the Missionaries of the Sacred…
Dear Editor, Fr John Harris penned an excellent article highlighting issues that need to be addressed by the Catholic leadership in Ireland (IC 16/01/2020), the importance of preaching to those “Catholics” in the pews who have yet to really listen to the Gospel and convert to Christ. And the additional lesson from the life of…
A magical oceans lab Many people get put off by science, resolving that the subject is either boring or only fit for geniuses to study. However, science is something we should all be exploring and trying to understand. Marine and environmental science is at the forefront of our current affairs with the plastic pollution of…
French protesters march against controversial bioethics bill Debate began on a bioethics bill in the French Senate last week after tens of thousands of people marched through the streets of Paris to protest state funding for medically assisted procreation for lesbian couples and single women. “A child is a gift to be received, not an…
Pope Francis has appointed Carlow-born Fr Paul Dempsey as the new Bishop of Achonry. The announcement was made in a communique released by the Vatican this morning (Monday). Up to this point, Fr Dempsey (48) has been Parish Priest of Newbridge in the Diocese of Kildare and Leighlin. Primate of All-Ireland Archbishop Eamon Martin congratulated…
Chai Brady and Aron Hegarty The spate of gang violence, brutal killings and spread of drugs and guns wracking Ireland has provoked condemnation from clergy across the country who are calling for more Garda funding and that illegal drug users “wake up” and stop enabling violence. The burning of a man in Cork, dismemberment of…
A Nigerian seminarian who was abducted this month was freed by his kidnappers after 10 days in captivity. Three seminarians kidnapped with him remain in captivity. The freed seminarian, who has not yet been identified, is being treated at a Catholic hospital in Kaduna, Nigeria. The extent of his injuries is unclear, but he is…
Pro-life party Aontú has vowed to insist on legislation making pain relief for babies due to be aborted as mandatory. Launching its manifesto this week the party – which is running 25 candidates and is confident of making gains – also said that it would prioritise the right of everyone to conscientious objection where abortion…
Brazil’s government has drawn criticism after launching a project that aims to revamp the country’s arts scene, with a focus on nationalism and religion. The project is part of the far-right administration’s answer to what it sees as decades of leftist hegemony in the cultural sphere – from art to education and family. Though cash-strapped,…
The current rector of the Notre-Dame Centre for Faith and Reason in Dublin will be returning to the US, it has been announced, with his replacement “excited” to begin this summer. Fr Bill Dailey CSC, who headed the famous University Church founded by St John Henry at Stephen’s Green, will return to the US to…