An Irish senator has called on Government to pay the amount spent on the referendum to carer/disability charities, as they have been “cavalier with public monies”. Senator Rónán Mullen, one of the few politicians who campaigned for a No/No vote in the referendum, said the Government should “come under pressure” to direct €20 million to those…
‘Quick fix’ married priests solution won’t tackle vocations decline – bishop
Commitments between family and parish can cause “a battle in one’s heart” for married priests, the Bishop of Waterford and Lismore said, warning against the “quick fix solution”. Bishop Phonsie Cullinan, who is Chairman for the Council for Vocations of the bishops’ conference, spoke to The Irish Catholic in Knock, Co. Mayo at an event…
Tributes paid for ‘brave’ former RTÉ journalist Charlie Bird
Tributes have poured in following the death of celebrated former RTÉ journalist Charlie Bird, remembered as a “great man” and an example to all those suffering. Following his death aged 74 on Tuesday, Sr Stan said Mr Bird “had faith and that helped him” following his motor neuron disease diagnosis in 2021. “Since he got…
Aux bishop-elect praises Dublin’s strength in ‘challenging times’
The newly appointed Auxiliary Bishop of Dublin has commended the “commitment and faith” of laity and priests in the archdiocese despite the “uncertain” road ahead. Fr Donal Roche’s appointment by Pope Francis was announced in St Mary’s Pro-Cathedral on Tuesday. An experienced educator and pastor, he spent almost two decades involved in religious education and…
Book targeting evil welcomed by priest expert
An Irish expert in deliverance ministry and exorcism has welcomed a booklet brought out by the Catholic bishops’ conference of England and Wales said to help Catholics “protect themselves from the powers of darkness”. In a statement, the bishops said Deliver Us From Evil does not provide a formula of words to be prayed over others, but…
Catholic charities paved way to help chronic homeless – Housing First director
Catholic-founded charities helped pave the way to assist the most vulnerable who were being rejected by local authorities for housing, according to the National Director for the ‘Housing First’ initiative in Ireland. Rob Lowth told The Irish Catholic that Fr Peter McVerry, who founded the Peter McVerry Trust, saw from a “very early time” the…
Paving the path to freedom for the most challenged homeless
A person that can retreat to a place they call home, where they feel safe and secure, will undoubtedly be in a better position to seek support to help themselves out of a spiral of mental health, addiction or other related issues. Ireland now has more than 13,500 people who are homeless, which includes almost…
Building trust to help people off the streets
Those struggling with homelessness often become “closed off, guarded and secretive” in order to protect themselves, but Franciscan-founded Merchants Quay Ireland (MQI) in Dublin City Centre offer an environment in which people feel respected and safe. From a platform of trust, staff can assist people to access physical and mental health and addiction services. As…
Priest who has buried A5 victims welcomes funding
A priest who has witnessed first-hand the devastation caused by road traffic collisions on the “dangerous” A5 road, has welcomed the Irish Government’s funding announcement. While reacting positively to Tuesday’s €600m funding promise for the A5, Fr Michael O’Dwyer PP of Errigal Ciaran parish in Co. Tyrone said, “it is long overdue”. “We have had…
‘Step up’ NI politicians and promote Catholics joining police says Supt
Politicians in the North of Ireland must work against people stuck in the “dark ages” who want to stop Catholics joining the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI), a superintendent has insisted.