Personal Profile Matthew Carlson speaks with a lay catechist Although many people may think that their grandparent is the most religious grandparent out there, Colette Furlong may be able to take that award home. Colette, who is the Catechist for the cluster of parishes in Sligo recalls that as a child, her ‘nanna’ was…
Pat O’Kelly A recent report, commissioned by RTÉ and undertaken by the BBC’s Helen Boaden in conjunction with consulting firm Mediatique, has recommended that, while the RTÉ Concert Orchestra should remain within the fold of the broadcaster, the National Symphony Orchestra should become an entity in its own, outside of RTÉ. The April report…
Elise Harris The Vatican’s former top advisor on canon law has made a public call to insert legal obligations for the care of creation into the Church’s universal canon law – making it a legal duty for Catholics not only “not to harm” the environment, but to improve it. According to veteran Vatican watcher…
After a few weeks’ hiatus, Episode 16 of the Irish Catholic Podcast brings John Quinn into conversation with Deacon Noel Ryan of Balinteer Parish in Dublin. Part personal testimony, part demystifying the ministry of the Permanent Deaconate, this chat sheds light into this historically important ministry, and looks at the role Deacons have to play…
Matthew Carlson All events in the World Meeting of Families (WMOF) are booked out, with all 500,000 tickets for the closing Mass being reserved by Sunday, July 8, according to WMOF organisers. The Mass, which will be celebrated by Pope Francis, will take place in Dublin’s Phoenix Park at 3pm on Sunday, August 26. Within…
The new Stations of the Cross which were recently installed at Knock Basilica provide pilgrims with an opportunity to follow Christ on his way to Calvary, Tuam’s Archbishop has said. On Sunday, July 8, Archbishop Michael Neary blessed the new Stations, which were the final touch to the church interior. The work was undertaken by…
WMOF 2018 Mary Trench A wonderful day of ‘Family Faith, Fun and Food’ was enjoyed by a huge crowd of people, from all 55 parishes in Tuam Archdiocese at Ballinrobe Racecourse. The weather was thankfully very favourable and the venue was superb. Following a sad and difficult week in the archdiocese, when one of its…
How long is the Mass? It is expected that the Mass will be under two hours in duration. You should allow for extra time to get to and from the event. What time will the event be over at? The event will be over at 4.45pm. Please be aware that it may take some time…
Matthew Carlson Although it is a bit of a stretch to associate religion with the success rates of the World Cup, one can’t help but wonder. Three of the four teams reaching the semi-finals of the 2018 World Cup come from predominantly Catholic countries. Although this isn’t really new, it’s no doubt that this World…
Pope Francis has named an Italian journalist with decades of experience in print, radio and television broadcasting to head the Vatican’s Secretariat for Communication, the first time a lay person has headed a Vatican department. Paolo Ruffini (61), who was in charge of the Italian conference of Catholic bishops’ TV and radio network, was named…