The game-winning kick in Sunday’s Super Bowl was made by devout Catholic Harrison Butker, who used the opportunity to praise God. Many on social media noticed that during the game he was wearing a brown scapular around his neck. The score stood at an even 35-35 with just seconds remaining in the game, when Mr…
While Pope Francis has returned to Rome after his six-day apostolic trip to Congo and South Sudan, the words he left there will resonate across the continent for a long time, Church leaders and experts say. Catholic bishops in Congo said the words of the Holy Father not only comforted, but shook up, the continent,…
The head of the Ukrainian Catholic church has defended President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s requests for long-range weapons, although a Vatican diplomat warned that arms supply is a complex topic. “I cannot morally endorse this request for arms because I don’t know all the details – but we cannot defend ourselves without arms,” said Major Archbishop Sviatoslav…
The Wisdom of Pope Francis Ash Wednesday, marks the beginning of the Lenten journey of 40 days, which will lead us to the Easter Triduum, the memorial of the Lord’s passion, death and resurrection and the heart of the mystery of our salvation. Lent prepares us for this most important moment; therefore, it is a…
The Church of England has banned church weddings for same-sex couples while at the same time allowing priests to bless same-sex marriages and partnerships. The General Synod of the Church of England decided on February 9 that same-sex couples would be allowed to come to church after a civil marriage or civil partnership to give…
The 16th annual Pope John Paul II Award ceremony was held in St Eugene’s Cathedral, Derry on February 6. The guest speaker, Melany Francisco-Lawless alongside Bishop Donal McKeown, patron of the award, presented the award to 328 young people from all over the Diocese of Derry and beyond. This year three people received the Papal…
Priest charged for praying in UK ‘buffer zone’ A Catholic priest who faced criminal charges for praying for free speech outside an abortion clinic after business hours is the latest to run afoul of a strict buffer zone law in the English city of Birmingham. “I pray wherever I go, inside my head, for the…
Cindy Wooden Pope Francis’ visit to Congo and his ecumenical pilgrimage to South Sudan put a face – actually, thousands of faces – on the horror of war. But he also seemed energised by the enthusiasm of the crowds in Kinshasa, Congo, and buoyed by traveling to Juba, South Sudan with Anglican Archbishop Justin Welby…
Dear Editor, Every year we have the same tired attacks on St Brigid in the media, with claims that she was involved in an abortion and was lesbian. Breda O’Brien’s piece was important as it pointed out the offensive co-opting of such a wonderful saint by those who seek to paint her in a way…
Tuam celebrates inaugural young adult night The Archdiocese of Tuam held its inaugural young adults night, February 4, gathering young people from around the diocese for Mass and a social. Archbishop of Tuam Francis Duffy celebrated the opening Mass at 6pm in the Cathedral of the Assumption, Tuam, Co. Galway. He praised the “moving” event,…