Disagreement remains among readers of this newspaper about whether it was appropriate for Pope Francis to approve official pilgrimages to Medjugorje. In an IC poll, Facebook users were asked: “Do you think that Pope Francis should have approved official pilgrimages to Medjugorje given that the alleged Marian apparitions have not been authenticated?” Out of 363…
Vatican advances sainthood cause of Brazilian ‘Mother Teresa’ Pope Francis advanced the sainthood causes of four men and four women, including Blessed Dulce Lopes Pontes, the ‘Mother Teresa’ of Brazil. The Pope signed the decrees on May 13 during a meeting with Cardinal Angelo Becciu, prefect of the Congregation for Saints’ Causes. The Vatican published the decrees on May 14. The Pope…
Students’ exam stress can be conquered if addressed, writes Hannah Harn Summer holidays are fast approaching, but students across the country are gearing up for their final exams, projects and leaving certs. For many, this means long days and late nights in libraries and at study sessions with their eyes locked on textbooks, computer…
One month after a fire destroyed the roof and spire of the famous Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, the Archbishop of Paris released an update on reconstruction efforts and the donations received thus far. Of the €1 billion publicly pledged in the emotional aftermath of the fire, only €13.5 million has been collected so far,…
Elise Harris Two of the heaviest-hitting cardinals with a hand in organising the upcoming Synod of Bishops on the Amazon have voiced concern about a priest shortage in the region, but shied away from offering concrete proposals for how to fix the problem such as the controversial idea of ordaining viri probati, meaning tested married…
By passing a bill to ban abortion in nearly all circumstances, the Alabama Legislature has recognised that abortion is “the extinguishing of a unique human life”, said the president and CEO of Americans United for Life. The law is thought likely to fall foul of the Constitution. “From conception to natural death, every single human…
The Notebook Fr Vincent Sherlock MARGARET CAFFERKEY, a young woman from the parish where I now work, went to America when she was 16 years of age. Hearing God’s call, she later entered an order of Enclosed Nuns in Newark, New Jersey. She took the name Sr Mary of The Blessed Trinity and when…
Building imagination with creative kids Childhood is a time to let imagination grow and flow. Building interesting creations and getting involved in fun-filled activities is definitely one way of fostering this in kids. ReCreate invites all the family to Corkagh Park in Clondalkin, Co. Dublin for an afternoon of making and creating on Saturday, June…
Richard Devane SJ: Social Commentator and Advocate, 1876 – 1951 by Martin Walsh (Messenger Publications, €19.95) Thomas J. Morrissey This is a welcome tribute to a man of great zeal and energy, of strong social and religious commitment, who influenced many people, but alienated some by his impatience to bring about change. Born and educated in…
Suspected church arsonist ‘unfit’ for trial A man accused of attempting to enter St Patrick’s Cathedral in New York last month carrying containers of gasoline and a lighter has been deemed unfit to stand trial due to his mental health. Police arrested Marc Lamparello in April after he attempted to enter the cathedral. The 37-year-old…