Pope appoints two Irish monsignori

Pope Francis has appointed two senior priests of the Down and Connor Dioceses as Chaplains to His Holiness with the title monsignor. Francis has honoured Msgr Patrick Delargy, Parish Priest of Ballymena and Vicar General, and Msgr Joseph Glover, Diocesan Curia. Bishop Noel Treanor said: “My congratulations go to Msgr Delargy and Msgr Glover on…

Baby loss network ‘honoured’ by bereaved parents award

An Irish support group has received a Butterfly Award for excelling in providing support to parents who experience tragic baby loss. Vicky Wall of ‘Every Life Counts’ won the ‘Thank You Award’ for 2019, given in recognition of the support she provides to families when a baby is diagnosed with life-limiting conditions. Ms Wall said…

A kind mentor and a masterly broadcaster

Gay Byrne was a wise, witty and mischievous broadcaster whom people trusted enough to welcome him into their homes, writes Roger Childs As I write, a pall of genuine sadness hangs over RTÉ’s Montrose campus, following the news of Gay Byrne’s death. Twenty years after his supposed retirement, there are still so many people here…

Philippine Church prays for earthquake victims, appeals for aid

Catholic bishops have appealed for prayers and aid for earthquake victims after two strong earthquakes hit the Philippines last month, causing some deaths and damage. “Please, again, let us show our spirit of charity and solidarity,” Archbishop Romulo Valles of Davao, who is president of the Catholic bishops’ conference of the Philippines, said. An earthquake…

Lebanese prelates express new hope after PM resignation

Lebanon’s Maronite bishops, commending the unity of the Lebanese people amid a peaceful mass uprising demanding a new government, called for a “constructive spirit” following the resignation of the country’s prime minister. “The Lord is leading the ship of the homeland and we hope that this step will be the beginning of the solution,” Cardinal…