Archbishop Fulton Sheen will be beatified on December 21, Bishop Daniel Jenky of Peoria announced late Monday. He said the Vatican had just notified him of the beatification and he was announcing the news “with great joy and thanksgiving”. Plans for the beatification are already underway, the bishop said. The ceremony will be at 10am…
Pope Francis has told students never to be afraid of their desire for truth and never settle for mediocrity. He encouraged them to live with open hearts and minds, and not just stick with the predominant mindset in a world that believes diversity is conflict. “May you feel a healthy ambition to add something original…
Belfast has marked the end of an era with the retirement of Fr Brendan McGee after 70 years of devoted service to the people of Down and Connor. Fr McGee – Dean of St Peter’s Cathedral – offered his final Mass for the people in St Patrick’s, Donegall Street on Thursday after 70 years ministering…
The Tribe: The Inside Story of Irish Power and Influence in US Politics by Caitríona Perry (Gill Books, €22.99/ £19.99) Felix M. Larkin It is often said that the US is a “melting pot”, a fusion of nationalities and ethnicities – but that is true only to some extent. Many Americans, even those whose…
Tensions are reportedly running high between French authorities overseeing the rebuilding of Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris, as they create plans to rebuild the church damaged by fire earlier this year. Army General Jean-Louis Georgelin and the architect on the project, Philippe Villeneuve, disagree over whether the cathedral’s new spire should look modern or medieval, the…
Ireland Through Birds: Journeys in search of a wild nation by Conor W. O’Brien (Merrion Press, €16.95) Christopher Moriarty Like many, perhaps the majority of, birdwatchers, Conor W. O’Brien became addicted to the hobby in childhood. He shares his joy in encounters with birds and the wild environment in general in this remarkable book.…
Dear Editor, I refer to criticism levelled at Bishop Phonsie Cullinan concerning yoga in Catholic schools. Catholic bishops as direct successors of the apostles have a duty of pastoral care by teaching and upholding the Catholicism which comes to us from the apostles themselves, commissioned by Jesus. Regrettably, the laity has largely been left without…
Belgian bishops criticise proposed abortion measures Belgium’s Catholic bishops have criticised legislation to liberalise abortion by extending the right to 18 weeks’ gestation with just 48 hours of obligatory reflection. The bishops said the proposed measures would change the meaning of abortion by making it a “normal medical procedure” and that the changes had not…
Wicklow Christmas market During December, Christmas markets are installed across the world and Ireland is no different to this practice. The Wicklow market which begins on November 23 and lasts three weeks will offer a selection of local artisan foods, decorations, gifts, workshops and even a visit from Santa himself! This year, there will also…
Claire Fitzpatrick A prominent Catholic journalist praised Pope Francis’ visit to Ireland last year and how he dealt with the sex abuse scandals. There was sharp criticism of some aspects of the Pope’s visit when it came to abuse, including the fact that organisers cast doubt on whether or not he would meet with survivors.…