Chai Brady reports from the Vatican about the October 3rd – 28th Synod on ‘Young People, Faith and Vocational Discernment’.
Chai Brady
Bishops request politicians ‘respect’ objection to abortion referrals
Healthcare professionals who opt out of providing abortion should not be forced to make referrals to a colleague, Ireland’s bishops have told politicians who are currently debating the legislation. The Irish Catholic Bishops’ Conference have said that because abortions are expected to be drug induced in the first 12 weeks, the right to conscientious objection…
Casual sex is a ‘pseudo intimacy’ leading to loneliness – chaplain
Social media and a culture of brief sexual encounters is leading to loneliness among students and young people according to a university chaplain. Commenting on a BBC study that found 40% of people aged 16-24 often or very often feel lonely, Fr Leon Ó Giolláin SJ said he was “not surprised”. A culture that encourages…
East African bishops to discuss plight of fundamentalism at youth synod
Due to its impact on young Catholics in Africa, fundamentalism will be a topic that bishops from East Africa prioritize in their talks with other delegates during the synod’s intervention sessions. More than 300 delegates, cardinals, archbishops, bishops, priests, sisters and laypeople are expected to attend the Oct. 3-28 Synod of Bishops, which will meet…
Pope defrocks abuser priest Fernando Karadima
The Pope has ordered the laicisation of Fernando Karadima, a Chilean priest convicted in 2011 of the sexual abuse of minors. He had previously been sentenced to a life of prayer and penance. Pope Francis made the “exceptional decision” to dismiss Karadima from the clerical state, “in conscience for the good of the Church”, according…
New religious breathe fresh life into Mitchelstown
A new group of nuns is hoping to bring fresh spirituality and hope to a Cork town after the community lost the presence of the Presentation Sisters in 2002. Four young sisters of the Servant Sisters of the Home of the Mother, hailing from the US, were installed in Mitchelstown over the weekend by Bishop…
Pope tackles tolerance, totalitarianism and forgiveness in Baltic visit
In Lithuania, a nation that has experienced invasions, atrocities and persecution, Pope Francis began his visit with a plea to break down walls of suspicion and fear. “If we look at the world scene in our time, more and more voices are sowing division and confrontation – often by exploiting insecurity or situations of conflict…
Missionaries defy threats from kidnappers and radical Islamists
There has been a “great increase” in attacks and kidnapping of missionaries by radical Islamists and poverty-stricken youths over the last 20 years, the Irish-born Superior General of the Society of African Missions (SMA) has said. This comes as an Italian missionary of the order was kidnapped last week in southwest Niger by an armed…
Defunct Stormont ‘frustrating’ as suicide plan blocked – priest
Despite ongoing deadlock in Stormont blocking a new suicide prevention plan, a specialist priest has said anyone “who is struggling” will be supported. Fermanagh-based Fr Cathal Deery, who trains clergy and chaplains in dealing with suicide, admitted it is “frustrating” that the Protect Life 2 strategy could not be implemented as it needs to be…
New Book of Kells course explores medieval Ireland
A free online course developed by Trinity College Dublin will allow learners worldwide to explore the history of Ireland through the Book of Kells. The new four-week online course will help people to learn more about the manuscript and begins on October 8. Called ‘The Book of Kells: Exploring an Irish Medieval Masterpiece’ it is…