Tomb of Christ re-opens to pilgrims

Christian pilgrims can once again visit one of the Faith’s holiest sites. The restored tomb in which Jesus’ body is believed to have been buried following his crucifixion has been reopened following extensive restoration and conservation work. Housed in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem’s Old City, it was closed for the nine-month…

GAA is the new religion in Ireland

Dear Editor, I was born in Ireland and educated in Ireland as a Catholic. I worked all my life as a consultant in South Africa. When I retired some years ago I reflected on the Ireland we have today. Catholicism and Christianity is very much on the wane. Indeed, in 10 years we will have…

Roses give thanks on Lough Derg pilgrimage

Five of the 2016 Rose of Tralee entrants – Niamh Moriarty, Westmeath Rose; Zoe McGettigan, Donegal Rose; Mairead McHugh, Fermanagh Rose; Eiméar Cassidy, Derry Rose and Megan Ferguson, Louth Rose – pictured with Prior Owen McEneaney after completing the Lough Derg three-day pilgrimage at the weekend.

Former footballer ordained for Dominicans

Former Northern Ireland footballer, Fr Philip Mulryne OP (centre, left) pictured with Dominican colleagues and some of his former Norwich City FC teammates at his ordination by Archbishop Joseph Augustine Di Noia OP in St Saviour’s Church, Dominican St, Dublin on Saturday. Photo: Fr Pius Pietrzyk OP

Glencairn nun joins the ‘Grass Gals’

The farm manager at Glencairn Abbey in Co. Waterford has joined an all-female silage crew who will make a Guinness world record attempt in aid of the Alzheimer’s Society. Sr Lily Scullion, from St Mary’s Cisterican Abbey will mow, rake, draw and pit 30 acres of silage with 40 other women at Mount Melleray on…

From China to Argentina, via Ireland

Fr Joseph Yang Shuai with his father and brother, Yang Zihau and Yang Shuai Yu – who travelled from China -– and Msgr John Byrne, PP Portlaoise, at his ordination to the priesthood in St Peter and Paul’s Church, Portlaoise at the weekend, for service with the Divine Word Missionaries in Argentina.

Victim of Venezuelan clashes

A child receives medical attention after being aff ected by tear gas during clashes at a July 9 protest against Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro’s government in Caracas. The country’s bishops have warned that the government is attempting to establish a military dictatorship. Photo: CNS

News in Brief

Government challenged to act on rural GP crisis Independent TD Mattie McGrath has challenged the Government for inaction which he said is resulting in the slow death of rural GP practice. Deputy McGrath has asked Health Minister Simon Harris to clarify the steps he’s taking to address the ongoing crisis in declining numbers of rural…