US bishops warn against changing definition of brain death The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) and a key Catholic bioethics group are both warning of a potential rewriting of US law to broaden the definition of brain death, a revision they claim relies on “deficient medical criteria”. The USCCB and the National Catholic…
The Sunday Gospel Jem Sullivan 17th Sunday in Ordinary Time I Kings 3:5, 7-12 Psalm 119:57, 72, 76-77, 127-128, 129-130 Romans 8:28-30 Matthew 13:44-52 Antiques Roadshow is a long running, popular television programme that evokes the treasure hunter in all of us. The show features art experts and appraisers who see people from all walks…
Introducing: The Confession Box As freedom of speech and expression become more and more restricted in our world – the Confession Box provides a safe space where no subject is taboo and every voice gets a hearing. Join us on all major streaming apps or get in touch by emailing garry@gracecommunications.ie In the second episode…
An Irish charity has urged the Government to call ambassadors of countries where persecution of Christians is prevalent before an Oireachtas committee and challenge them on their record on religious freedom. Church in Chains, a charity that fights Christian persecution, said politicians should call the ambassadors of China, India, Iran, Nigeria and Pakistan to attend…
Abuse allegations against Catholic clergy and religious in the US declined last year, but challenges remain regarding protecting vulnerable adults and ensuring online safety, according to the US conference of Catholic bishops (USCCB). On July 14, the USCCB’s Secretariat of Child and Youth Protection released the ‘2022 Annual Report – Findings and Recommendations on the…
Maria Wiering “He was the world’s flower and glory, and has rendered superfluous the writings of doctors (of theology) who shall come after him.” St Albert the Great is said to have exclaimed these words upon the news of the death of St Thomas Aquinas, his former student, in 1274 at age 48. July 18 marked the…
The Diocese of Dromore has decided to extend its redress scheme for victims of sexual abuse for a further six months, until March 29, 2024. The scheme was established in September 2021 and focuses on those who suffered sexual abuse by members of the clergy under the authority of the diocese. It aims to offer…
The United Nations Human Rights Council approved a controversial resolution Wednesday that urges member states to more aggressively prosecute acts of religious-based antagonism, with the motion passing even amid opposition from United States and European delegations. The measure, backed by the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation and passed by a 28-12 vote, calls upon member states…
A new survey commissioned by the Nicaraguan media outlet Confidencial and conducted by market researcher CID Gallup of Costa Rica revealed that the Catholic Church is the most credible institution in Nicaragua. This is despite the harsh persecution to which it has been subjected for some years by the dictatorship of President Daniel Ortega and…
María Ruiz Scaperlanda In December 2016, Pope Francis officially recognised Fr Stanley Rother’s martyrdom, making him the first American-born martyr. In September 2017, he became the first male born in the United States to be beatified. How a 46-year-old diocesan priest from a small German farming community in Oklahoma came to live and die in…