Healing found in wounds of Christ, Pope tells Stigmatines A devotion to and meditation on the five wounds of Christ “may sound a bit medieval”, but anyone who recognises he or she is wounded will find mercy and healing in the passion of Christ, Pope Francis has said. Meeting with members of the Stigmatine order, the Pope distributed his prepared text and then…
Pope Francis has said that the faithful who attend Mass lack a fundamental right if they do not receive a well-prepared and well-preached homily. Speaking in St Peter’s Square during his weekly general address on Ash Wednesday, the Pontiff said that in the Liturgy of the Word, the Lord speaks for both pastors and faithful,…
Depaul helped move almost 600 homeless people into more permanent accommodation last year, the charity has said. In a statement, the charity revealed that in 2017, Depaul’s Assertive Engagement (AE) helped 593 people who were using emergency, night-time only hostels move to a variety of more stable arrangements. Depaul currently operate two of the largest…
The Pro-Life Campaign has called on The Irish Examiner to retract a front-page story claiming that 75% of Irish doctors support open access to abortion during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. The PLC has said the story, which has the sub-heading ‘Poll of 400 medics shows support for liberalising abortion regime’, is “fake news”.…
Bishop Denis Brennan of Ferns is meeting in the Vatican with other bishops, senior law enforcement officers and key international organisations this week to share best practice in the fight against human trafficking and modern slavery. Dr Brennan is the Irish bishops’ representative in the Santa Marta Group (SMG), an alliance of police chiefs, bishops,…
This year marks the 160th anniversary of when Bernadette Soubirous announced to fellow villagers in the French town of Lourdes that she was experiencing visions of the Mother of God. An understandably sceptical local community at first didn’t believe the girl who would go on to be known the world over as St Bernadette of…
Rían Wood While Catholic schools must be inclusive, the Church has a “right and the responsibility to impart the Gospel vision” to students Bishop Fintan Monahan has warned. Speaking at Mass to mark the conclusion of Catholic Schools Week, the Bishop of Killaloe said the success of the Catholic system is a result of its…
Peter McVerry Trust, the national housing and homeless charity, has announced plans to double its own Housing First work this year. The charity, which was an early adopter of the internationally recognised approach to ending homelessness that focuses on providing both housing and intensive case management simultaneously, is set to expand its delivery of the…
Repealing the Eighth Amendment would give politicians “exclusive power” in relation to future legislation on abortion, according to a Pro-Life campaign spokesperson. Caroline Simons, the legal consultant to the Pro Life Campaign, said that the public are being asked to trust politicians who “change their mind on a whim”. Speaking at a conference in Dublin…
Lourdes: 160 years of healing Fr Robert McCabe reflects on his Lourdes pilgrimage experiences A visual harmony of architecture impresses pilgrim and tourist alike who make their way to the Grotto of Massabielle. The spires, mosaics and statues which surround the golden cross and crown provide a welcome relief and spiritual focus after the distraction…