The bishops’ conference of Argentina has said it is examining and will respond to a new report of more than 60 allegations of sexual abuse by priests and religious in the country. Officials with the conference said they are working on new protocols and actions to protect minors, following the Vatican summit on the topic…
Pope Francis remembers bishops martyred under Communism
Pope Francis today reflected upon his recent apostolic visit to Romania, where he beatified seven Greek-Catholic bishops martyred under Soviet occupation. The Pope said on June 5 that the beatified bishops were “witnesses to the freedom and mercy that comes from the Gospel”. “One of these new blesseds, Msgr. Iuliu Hossu, during his imprisonment wrote:…
Appeal for prayers after Missouri tornado
Bishop Shawn McKnight of Jefferson City has expressed gratitude that lives were spared and that all residents of the Missouri capital are accounted for following a devastating tornado. He said in a May 23 statement that the staff of Catholic Charities of Central and Northern Missouri were assessing the needs of residents. Some people were…
Post divorce referendum: support families through ‘sustainable communities’
Susan Gately and Chai Brady In the aftermath of the divorce referendum, the Bishop of Elphin, Kevin Doran, has called for ongoing backing for marriage, including civil marriage and ‘sustainable communities’. “We have to give serious consideration to preparation for marriage,” said Bishop Kevin Doran emphasising that he was not only referring to sacramental…
Meditation from the mind of a child
Mindful living Dr Noel Keating In this article I present an account of what it can be like for a child to experience meditation, based on what children have told me. I want to stress that this is not the experience of any one child. Although written in the first person, the description is a…
Polish prelates use emergency session to admit to Church abuse failures
The Polish bishops’ administrative council met in emergency session on May 22 and later admitted the Church failed to act against clerical sexual abuse. The meeting came amid outrage over a two-hour documentary, ‘Just Don’t Tell Anyone’, that included drastic accounts of cover-up of clerical sex abuse in Poland. The film had more than 19…
Kilmore bishop to celebrate retirement and golden jubilee
Staff reporter The Bishop of Kilmore’s recent retirement as well as the golden jubilee of his ordination will be celebrated on Sunday, June 9, with an open invitation extended for the Mass and reception. A diocesan spokesperson said: “Bishop Leo was highly respected and greatly admired by everyone. Many people can testify to his pastoral…
Vatican News Roundup
Nations obliged to ‘care for poor’, Pope says Nations, like individuals, have a “solemn duty” to care for the poor and to work together to promote development, Pope Francis told a group of ambassadors beginning their service at the Vatican. International cooperation for development and for peace-making tap into a common, universal desire to experience…
Sweet Treats: Raspberry and White Chocolate Muffins – the perfect combination
Laura Anderson Tart raspberries and sweet white chocolate, what’s not to like? The best thing about this classic bakery-style muffin recipe is that it is completely customisable and can be used as a base for whatever flavour you feel like. If you’re not the biggest fan of white chocolate, dark chocolate works really well here…
Letter from Rome: Pope’s shout-out to Chinese Catholics comes as pressure over deal mounts
Elise Harris Pope Francis has offered a shout-out to Chinese Catholics, specifically those who endure “daily trials and tribulations”. Though interpreted as a sign of the Pope’s commitment to his flock in China, the greeting also comes at a time when Francis is facing increased pressure over his recent deal with the government on the…










