The Catholic Bishops Conference of Scotland is warning against the government’s restriction of free speech, amid fears that the Church’s stance on marriage and sexuality could make Catholics susceptible to hate crime allegations. “Care must be taken to allow room for debate and a robust exchange of views, ensuring that ‘hate’ doesn’t include the kind…
Hannah Harn Pro-life activist Niamh Uí Bhriain has expressed hope that a new US film, which depicts the reality of abortion through the story of former Planned Parenthood clinic director Abby Johnson, will soon come to Ireland. Speaking about the movie Unplanned, Ms Uí Bhriain said: “It will have a big impact because Abby Johnson’s…
Stella O’Malley discusses why we feel more anxious, stressed and overwhelmed, and what we can do about it Have a look at the statistics in the list below: -About one in five people experience a mental health issue in any given year. -Anxiety disorder is the most common mental illness in Ireland, Britain and…
Ossory’s Bishop Dermot Farrell has congratulated St Kieran’s College, Kilkenny, for their momentous hurling win over the weekend. Dr Farrell said: “I am delighted for all the members of the panel who have trained so hard during the autumn, winter and into the spring. The rest of the college can bask in the reflected glory.”…
Utah governor Gary Herbert signed a new law this week to prohibit most abortions after 18 weeks of pregnancy. The “Cherish Act”, signed into law on March 26, is expected to take effect in May. The law, sponsored by Republican Cheryl Acton of Salt Lake City, includes exceptions to allow abortions for pregnancies resulting from…
Cheques for £600 (€700) have been presented to representatives of each of the four charities who benefited from funds raised by 70 young people from across the Derry Diocese who participated in the recent Sleep Out/Stay Awake to raise awareness of, and money to prevent, homelessness in Derry. The Stay Awake/Sleep Out was held in…
Sweet Treats Laura Anderson This week’s sweet treat is a timeless classic – its bright yellow colour makes it the perfect centrepiece for your table this Easter. If you’re tight on time the pastry can be made in advance and kept in the fridge for up to three days. Ingredients Makes one 23cm/9in tart.…
Dear Editor, Mary Kenny describes how there has been “some comment” about Pope Francis being “disinclined” to have his papal ring kissed (IC 28/3/2019). I have been absolutely appalled at the amount of attention given in the Catholic press to the supposed ‘scandal’ of this. A short video appeared online of the pope pulling his…
The Notebook Fr Bernard Healy The alarm on my phone goes off at 5.50 am. I drag myself out of bed and try to say a prayer. After all, it’s Lent! Washed and dressed, I head downstairs and meet two of my companions here in Rome’s Irish College: fellow priests, one Nigerian, another Irish.…
Peruvian authorities are investigating the death of British De La Salle Brother Bro. Paul McAuley, whose burned body was found April 2 in a home he founded for indigenous students in Iquitos, in the northeastern Amazonian region. In a statement issued the same day, Peru’s bishops called for authorities to clarify the events surrounding his…