Pope Francis has condemned last week’s terrorist attack in Barcelona and was “greatly disturbed” by the horrific violence. The Pontiff expressed his closeness with the people of Spain, in particular the injured and their families, and prayed for the victims. Last Thursday the so-called Islamic State claimed responsibility for what is believed to be three…
Roses bloom at Tralee Mass
Fr Padraig Walsh welcomed some of the Roses of Tralee and their escorts to Mass at Our Lady and St Brendan’s Church, Tralee on Sunday: Down Rose, Orlagh McNally; Wexford Rose, Julie Sinnott; Meath Rose, Anne Lynam; Texas Rose, Lydian Lawler Lopez; Philadelphia Rose, Tara Grandich and Yorkshire Rose, Aisling McArdle. Photo: John Cleary
Youth 2000 – festival of fun and faith
Sr Felicity Kalu with baby Ciarán Ascough enjoying the Youth 2000 Summer Festival in Roscrea, Co. Tipperary at the weekend. See Pages 16-17. Photo: Áine Ascough
Picnic in Punchestown
Bishop Denis Nulty of Kildare and Leighlin is inviting families in his diocese to a ‘Picnic in Punchestown’ on Sunday, August 27 (1-6pm). The picnic is part of diocesan preparations for next year’s World Meeting of Families and also aims to gather all the families of the diocese together for an event filled with fun,…
EU and UK fail to deliver share of aid for Africa – UN
The US, Canada and the UK among others have pledged large sums of money to assist countries facing severe food emergencies, but a gap exists between pledged aid and the amount of aid collected. A report from the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs stated that South Sudan, Somalia, northeast Nigeria and Yemen…
Parishioners advised on same-sex vote in Australia
As moves are being made to legalise same-sex marriage in Australia, an archbishop has released a pastoral letter to his parishes outlining the Church’s stance on same-sex marriage. Archbishop Timothy Costello, from the Diocese of Perth, aimed to clarify the reasons behind the Church’s opposition to changing the legal definition of marriage, encouraging parishioners to…
Bolivian bishops defend natives and national park
Catholic Church leaders in Bolivia are opposing a controversial new law that strips protection from a national park and indigenous peoples’ territory. The measure signed into law by President Evo Morales in mid-August opens the Isiboro Secure National Park and Indigenous Territory, known as TIPNIS, to highway construction and other development. “The government doesn’t listen…
MSCs celebrate first professions
The Missionaries of the Sacred Heart have celebrated the First Profession of five brothers in the novitiate community in Myross Woods in Co. Cork: Bro. Jaime Rosique MSC (Spanish Province), Bro. Piotr Żłobiński MSC (South German-Austrian Province), Bro. Domenico Rosa MSC (Italian Province), Bro. Giacomo Gelardi (Irish Province) and Bro. Daniel Filipek (South German-Austrian Province).
Vatican Roundup
Condolences sent to people in ‘agony’ after Africa mudslide After a major mudslide and flooding led to the deaths of hundreds of people and displaced thousands, Pope Francis offered his condolences and his prayers to the people of Sierra Leone. “Deeply saddened by the devastating consequences of the mudslide on the outskirts of Freetown, His…
Deacons can ease overworked priests’ burden
Dear Editor, The leadership of the Association of Catholic Priests (ACP) have been particularly successful in recent times of getting their opinions broadcast and published in national media. I accept that all priests need to have a voice in representing their views and that the demands of priesthood in 2017 are very onerous, as older…










