Healthcare chaplaincy and pastoral care are undergoing a process of transformation during the coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic, writes Aron Hegarty Several leaders in the profession spoke on World Health Day (April 7) about how the nature and delivery of their service, and even the study of the practice, is virtually meeting needs in a crisis.…
Laois-based priest Fr Paddy Byrne has said that priests must continue to give a message of hope in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic. “This will pass,” he said of the Covid-19 crisis. “It’s about getting the message out that there is hope and I am very proud and encouraged by how communities are connecting,…
The number of searches for “prayer” on Google has increased worldwide during the coronavirus pandemic, according to a professor based in Denmark. Jeanet Sinding Bentzen of the Department of Economics at the University of Copenhagen says interest in the term on the search engine “skyrocketed during the month of March 2020 when Covid-19 went global”. Using…
A church in Clonmel lit up over a thousand candles on Friday event for frontline healthcare workers along with prayers and petitions for everyone affected by the coronavirus pandemic. Candles in the shape of a cross were placed on the benches inside Ss Peter and Paul’s Church on, with a number of petition candles lit…
A new form of racism exists in contemporary society which deems all religious beliefs, teachings and practices as “nonsensical”, according to a university chaplain. Speaking to The Irish Catholic, Fr Alan Hilliard, chaplain of TU Dublin Bolton Street Campus, says a new era of people being condemned for their faith is emerging. “Today we are…
Priests have stressed the need for the Church to remain present to people, including – where possible – keeping churches open as a place of sanctuary for those seeking to “reconnect” with faith and home. Fr Cathal Geraghty of the Clonfert Diocese is one of several clergy calling for church buildings to remain open as…
Greater tolerance is being mistaken for a change in society’s values, writes Aron Hegarty The role of religion in society has often been questioned in modern times with some even calling for it to be done away with altogether. However, in times of crisis like what we are experiencing with the present coronavirus (Covid-19)…
A unique collection of texts helps bring the Christ’s passion to life, writes Aron Hegarty An Irish museum forced to close its doors due to the coronavirus (Covid-19) is looking to bring the past to life again this Easter by opening itself to the online realm. Although the pandemic is currently keeping buildings shut…
Homeless charity Depaul has said that while there has been a slight drop in the number of people experiencing homelessness, the figures remain troubling. The latest statistics were released by the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government last night (Tuesday). The Homeless Report shows that the number of people experiencing homelessness in the Republic…
A pastoral worker in Northern Ireland has called on all the churches of Ireland to ring their bells as a show of solidarity and hope during the coronavirus (Covid-19) crisis. Brian McKee, a Belfast native, wants all churches across the country to unite by ringing their chapel bells together for one minute at noon this…