Europe’s top court has ruled that employers can bar workers from wearing religious symbols in the workplace. The judgement handed down by the European Court of Justice (ECJ) states that internal company rules can be shaped so as to require ‘neutral dress’ on the part of employees. The case was centred on the experiences of…
Caritas ‘SOS’ for South Sudan
A Caritas director in one Catholic diocese in South Sudan has warned that “the humanitarian situation…is getting to a catastrophic stage”. Writing after the official announcement of famine in the country, William Okot de Toby, who oversees the work of the Church’s development agency in the Diocese of Torit in the far south-east, said: “Hunger…
Egyptian Church praises Muslim efforts for displaced Christians
The Church in Egypt has lauded the efforts of Muslims to assist Christians fleeing Sinai. Spokesman Fr Rafiq Greiche said: “Ordinary Muslims are kind and try to help however they can. They’re often first on the scene, rescuing the injured.” Fr Greiche spoke as so-called Islamic State (ISIS), which is behind the drive to oust…
Asia Bibi lives in hope of ‘mercy’ and renewed legal appeal
A new request for a hearing in the case of Asia Bibi is to be presented to Pakistan’s Supreme Court at the end of March, supporters of the imprisoned Christian woman have revealed. The announcement came following an update on Mrs Bibi’s condition as she continues to languish in Multan prison, Punjab, where she has…
Music at Mass – and especially weddings – is too often simply inappropriate
Dear Editor, In this era where rights overshadow responsibilities and when personal preferences shout louder than Christian doctrine, it may seem churlish to point out that sacred music offered at Mass and especially during Communion should be (a) sacred and (b) appropriate. Indeed, at the beginning of March, Pope Francis, speaking at a gathering organised…
Who we are and what we want to be
In a Landscape Redrawn by Bishop Donal Murray (Veritas, €10.99/£9.35) Though it is not presented as a Lenten book, Donal Murray’s latest book is very much the sort of book which will provide readers with many insights in the way things are. He is writing very much for those who find the ‘redrawn landscape’ of…
End of an era in Blackrock is well marked
Monody for a Much Loved Bookshop by Louis Hemmings, illustrated by Dora Kazmierak Carraig Books, a long-established bookshop in Blackrock village, is to close soon, certainly before the end of the year. It is one of the few second-hand bookshops that carry a large stock of philosophical and religious books, but as the owner explained…
Making a virtue from necessity
Fr Conor McDonough OP As part of their 2017 celebrations, Dublin’s St Patrick’s Day Festival commissioned a poem, ‘My Ireland’, by Stephen James Smith, available now on YouTube. It’s a kaleidoscope of incongruous impressions of contemporary Ireland and its various mythologies, with some very moving parts and powerfully complemented by the accompanying music and images.…
Priests warn of death of rural Ireland
Mags Gargan and Greg Daly Parishes are urged to fill the gap Parish priests have warned that reports of the proposed closure of up to 80 post offices in towns and villages across the country will lead to the death of rural Ireland. “The last person out should switch off the lights,” said Fr Edward…
New film strengthened Hollywood actor Sam Worthington’s faith
Hollywood star Sam Worthington has said that working on his new film The Shack helped him to better understand his relationship with God. The Shack is based on the 2007 novel of the same name by William P. Young, which follows the spiritual journey of a father, Mack, after suffering a family tragedy which makes…