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…
The Deacon in the Parish Today
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…
Papal Mass fully booked out with six weeks to go
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…
Stations allow pilgrims to follow Christ
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…
Friends, family and frolics on Ballinrobe Racecourse
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…
The Pope’s Mass in the Phoenix Park: frequently asked questions
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…
Kicking with Faith-filled boots
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 appoints first lay person as head of Vatican comms office
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…
Joy as Thai cave rescue ends with success
There was joy and relief as the news broke that divers in northern Thailand have rescued 12 boys and their football coach from flooded caves, 17 days after they got trapped underground. The plight of the group and the dangerous work to free them has gripped the world’s attention. Parishioners in Ireland were amongst those…
Crossmolina celebrates all parish nationalities during WMOF prep
WMOF 2018 Fr Francis Judge In Mayo, Crossmolina Parish enjoyed an important and joyful gathering in recognition of the World Meeting of Families, which takes place August 21-26. Thousands of families and individuals from all over Ireland and the world are expected to attend this very special occasion. During our celebration in June a number of…








