The pontifical foundation Aid to the Church in Need has launched a new fundraising campaign to aid Syrian Christians, whose lives continue to be devastated by violence and poverty. “The war in Syria has still not ended, terrorism has yet to be defeated and our brothers have more need of our aid than ever,” said…
Antrim Rose Orlágh McClinton [pictured] has picked the Michaela Foundation as her chosen charity as she attempts to be crowned Rose of Tralee. Hailing from Glenavy, the 22-year-old said she is “delighted” to be supporting the Catholic organisation which has faith as one of its central tenets. The foundation was established to honour the life…
KNOCK NOVENA In the 19th Century, Knock was typical of the villages dotted around the West of Ireland. It was a small collection of thatched houses and two school houses with the parish church at its centre. On the evening of August 21, 1879, Our Lady appeared at the gable of the church in…
Church representatives in Congo have urged international action to contain Ebola, after an epidemic in the country’s eastern provinces was declared an emergency by the World Health Organisation. “The Congolese people have suffered so many troubles in recent years – Ebola is only the latest,” said Msgr Andre Massinganda, deputy secretary-general of the Congolese bishops’…
A man has been charged in relation to an incident that occurred during the annual blessing of graves at Dundalk cemetery in Louth over the weekend. James McDonagh (28), with an address at Glenmore Park, Muirhevnamore in Dundalk, appeared before the district court on Tuesday. The first charge is unlawful use of a car, the…
Madison Duddy gives travel tips and tricks to guarantee a stress-free summer getaway With the summer months upon us, people begin to plan and prepare for their summer holidays. Whether it be a trip with family or friends, everyone is itching for a weekend on a beach or exploring a new city. While being on…
Trócaire have thanked Bishop John Kirby for serving as the Church-charity’s chairperson for 20 years after his resignation as the Bishop of Clonfert was accepted by Pope Francis. CEO Caoimhe de Barra said Bishop Kirby’s “passion and enthusiasm” helped drive the organisation, and that he was “deeply committed to campaigning for social justice”. “He helped…
New Vatican press office director appointed Pope Francis has appointed Matteo Bruni to serve as director of the Vatican press office, replacing Alessandro Gisotti, who had been serving as interim director since December 31, 2018. The Vatican announced the appointment last week. Bruni (42), previously served as assistant to the director since 2013, helping organise and coordinate media presence and…
Youth Space Claire Murray I walked into Shannon Airport for the eighth year last month, to go on the annual Diocesan Summer Pilgrimage to Lourdes. I had the honour of being there twice as a youth helper, and this was my sixth trip going as a youth leader. Even though there are different people coming and…
Dear Editor, Fr Conor McDonough’s piece on religious leaders with ‘chutzpah’ and Greg Daly’s feature on the 42 martyrs under consideration for beatification made for a powerful combination in your latest issue (IC 18/7/2019). Episcopal boldness is something we clearly need in our Church today, but it’s not good enough to whinge that the bishops…