Knock Novena The ‘post-modern’ or ‘post-religion’ era doesn’t exist, Chai Brady hears Modern youth movements and shrines are becoming increasingly important in the ‘new evangelisation’ of the Western world as parish churches attract fewer and fewer people, according to a high-ranking Vatican prelate on a visit to Ireland. Archbishop Salvatore ‘Rino’ Fisichella, President of…
Knock Novena Over 100,000 people flocked to Knock Shrine for their nine-day annual Novena, and with this year marking the 140th anniversary of the Apparition, some people voiced concerns about the loneliness prevalent in the lives of young people. Beginning on August 14, featuring a seminar given by former Taoiseach John Bruton, it ends…
For the first time in 186 years St Malachy’s College in Belfast will not have a priest on its teaching staff after it was announced the last of the clergy will leave before the new term. Fr Michael Spence will take up a new appointment in the Diocese of Down and Connor as the Curate…
Churches in the Archdiocese of Dublin are having difficulties with contactless payment card machines, with some saying the machines being trialed are “too difficult to use”. Five churches in Dublin are part of the scheme aimed at giving parishioners more options when they decide to donate. Co-PP of Dundrum Parish, Fr John Bracken whose church…
A hugely-successful pro-life film is set to hit Irish cinema screens by the end of September, pending talks with distributors here. The film Unplanned has been viewed by about two million people according to producers and has been screened in 12 countries including Canada and the US. Starring Ashley Bratcher it tells the story of…
The Rector of Knock Shrine has said it is “fantastic” that Pope Francis blessed their new processional statue, set to be unveiled this month. The hand-crafted statue was blessed by the Pontiff during his general audience last Wednesday and will be shown publicly on August 21 as part of the 140th anniversary celebrations of the…
The Bishop of Derry has said there will always be attempts to “exploit tension”, after a flute band wore Parachute Regiment insignia during the annual Apprentice Boys march. The ‘Derry Day parade’ which took place over the weekend attracted up to 145 bands with 8,000 people taking part. Members of the Clydevalley Flute Band from…
A group of about 50 young people took to the streets of Germany this summer on a pilgrimage said to be an “integral part” of youth ministry in their diocese. Living Youth, developed by the Diocese of Down and Connor, brought the young pilgrims to Bavaria from July 28 to August 3. According to the Director…
Trócaire has dubbed parishes the “life-blood” of the charity after their annual report shows one of the strongest Christmas campaigns in their history. In their report for 2018/2019 the Church-charity raised €2.3 million during its Christmas appeal, a 10% increase on 2017. This was used to assist families affected by conflict in countries such as…
With almost a dozen Dominican sisters leaving the Muckross Park convent in Dublin this week the local parish administrator has said it is a “loss to the community”. Multitudes of tributes have been paid to the sisters after the main convent building in Donnybrook closed in a decision made last year on foot of a…