Spanish bishops have dubbed the government’s use of violence to stop a disputed referendum “deplorable” after hundreds of people were injured by riot police. More than 800 people were injured and many detained after the regional government of Spain’s Catalonia region attempted to hold an independence referendum. Catalan officials claimed that 90% of the votes…
Pope to focus on ‘fake news’ Given the strong divisions sparked and fueled by “fake news,” Pope Francis is highlighting the importance of truth in his message for World Communications Day. The message will call for studying the causes and consequences of baseless information and will promote “professional journalism”, which always seeks the truth and…
Scott Koenig holds his Yorkie, Yogi, as he receives a blessing during the Blessing of the Animals at the Franciscan Monastery of the Holy Land in America in Washington. The prayer service was celebrated in observance of the Oct. 4 feast of St. Francis of Assisi, patron saint of animals. Photo: CNS
Pope Francis has reappointed Cardinal Raymond Burke to the Vatican’s highest judicial authority three years after he removed him from the position. Cardinal Burke will once again lead the Church’s supreme tribunal as a member of the Apostolic Signatura, despite having been a prominent critic of the Pope’s Amoris Laetitia. The cardinal previously said he…
Christians don’t want to be a “protected minority” in the Middle East, they must be full citizens with full rights said Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican secretary of state. The return of Christians to Iraq’s Ninevah Plain “must be the first and urgent objective of our efforts,” the cardinal said. “That will allow the Christian community…
The Mullingar Parish Adoration Committee has planned a Eucharistic Assembly giving people a chance to “affirm their dedication”. The event will take place in Bloomfield Hotel, Mullingar on Saturday October 14, and is for people who take part in Eucharistic dedication in parishes across Westmeath. “I am very excited that Mullingar parish will host this…
Turkish archaeologists claim to have found the bones of St Nicholas underneath a Church at his birthplace in southern Turkey according to the Associated Press. St Nicholas, whose generosity is believed to have inspired the traditional model of Santa Claus, was born and served as a bishop of what is now the Turkish Mediterranean town…
A Zimbabwean pastor has been arrested and put on trial due to allegations of him attempting to subvert the government. Fr Evan Mawarire, a prominent critic of Zimbabwe’s president, Robert Mugabe, was arrested as he stepped down from his pulpit on charges that could see him imprisoned for 20 years. The state has accused him…
Sinister side to abortion debate Dear Editor, The sinister and illegal activities of pro-abortion advocates over the last two weeks has been shocking and outrageous. Where is the condemnation from public figures? The fact that three hotels were forced to cancel pro-life events because of threats and intimidation of staff members should be investigated by…
Mental Health Week 2017 Mental Health Week 2017 takes place from October 9-14. The World Health Organisation’s theme for World Mental Health Day on October 10 is Mental Health in the Workplace. This week is a great opportunity for individuals, workplaces and communities to bring awareness to and highlight mental health and wellbeing where you…