Diversifying patronage in the Irish education system could lead to segregation and exclusion, according to the chair of the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Education and Social Protection. Dublin Mid-West Labour TD Joanna Tuffy told The Irish Catholic that in her view, “increasing diversity is not a good approach as it doesn’t cater for villages, and…

A leading Irish bishop has said he would welcome a “pastoral solution” which would allow divorced and remarried Catholics to receive Communion. Bishop Kevin Doran of Elphin told The Irish Catholic he would support such a solution provided it was in keeping with the Church’s teaching on the indissolubility of marriage. Responding to the challenges…

17 new seminarians begin formation

The acting president of the Christian Solidarity Party has said he is hopeful for a “renewal” of the party ahead of the next general election. Speaking to The Irish Catholic ahead of the party’s Ard Fheis this weekend, Cathal Ashbourne Loftus said “we hope to get renewal because we are tired and we haven’t achieved…

Cardinal Timothy Dolan said it was an “honour”, “a joy” and “a privilege” to open the novena Our Lady of Knock, at a shrine that was “so dear” to him. “I can only hope you understand how much I love Ireland – love all of you – and thank you for this privilege of opening…

Bishop Kevin Doran has insisted that it is part of the Church’s mission to support families living in difficult circumstances. “I’m not sure that there is any such thing as an ideal family,” the Bishop of Elphin told those gathered in Knock at the weekend. “Every family has its limitations and many families today face…

The Government needs to “face up” to the crisis of homelessness, Bro. Kevin Crowley of the Capuchin Day Centre has warned. Criticising as “appalling” the current lack of social housing for homeless families in Dublin in particular, the leading campaigner called on the Government to urgently invest in housing. “It’s up to the Government to…