The percentage of baptised children making First Communion and Confirmation is declining, with one diocese putting the figure as high as almost one in three not receiving these Sacraments. The Secretary General of the Catholic Primary School Management Association (CPSMA) Seamus Mulconry confirmed to The Irish Catholic that there has been an “an increase” in…
Leading Irish religious figures have paid tribute to Bro. Kevin Crowley OFM Cap., founder of the Capuchin Day Centre, describing him as a fearless advocate for the poor who was unafraid to criticise Government policy and challenge societal indifference. Bro. Kevin, who died last week aged 90, was remembered by fellow founders of major faith-based…
The funeral of champion for the poor Bro. Kevin Crowley, founder of the Capuchin Day Centre, took place on Saturday July 5 at St Mary of the Angels Church on Church Street, Dublin. Bro. Kevin died on Wednesday July 2 at the age of 90 in Mount Desert Nursing Home, Cork, following more than five…
Attempts by Government to push religious orders to pay millions in redress to people affected by mother and baby homes has been described as a “form of extortion”, by Senator Ronan Mullen. Seven Catholic bodies have been asked to contribute more than a quarter of a billion euro to a redress scheme being set up…
Renata Steffens and Chai Brady St Oliver Plunkett has been described as “unparalleled when it came to forgiveness and forgiving” by the Archbishop of Armagh Eamon Martin, as the 400th anniversary of the martyred saint’s birth approaches. It is also 50 years since his canonisation. Archbishop Martin hailed the saint in his homily during Mass at…
A future papal visit to Ireland could include a long-awaited stop in Northern Ireland, Archbishop Eamon Martin has said — pointing to 2032, the 16th century of St Patrick coming to Ireland as a “really hopeful year” to welcome Pope Leo XIV. Speaking exclusively to The Irish Catholic, the Archbishop of Armagh revealed 2032 would…
The next budget may include a measure that will increase the amount of monthly Child Benefit paid to mothers for a third or subsequent child. This would be a response to falling birth rates in the country. The fertility rate has now fallen to 1.5 children per couple, well below the replacement level of 2.1.…
The Diocese of Limerick has announced a series of clerical appointments for 2025, with Bishop Brendan Leahy outlining what he described as a “trinity of positive change” in response to the continuing decline in vocations to the priesthood in Ireland. The threefold strategy includes promoting vocations among Irish young people, welcoming priests from other countries…
Hundreds of young Catholics who descended on the national Marian Shrine in Knock were told Ireland needs their voice, hope, witness and energy. Bishop Fintan Gavin of Cork and Ross said that “being a person of faith in Ireland today means having the courage to stand out from the crowd and go against the dominant…
Three Irish expats playing for Rome Hibernia GAA were delighted to present Pope Leo XIV with a bespoke jersey during the Jubilee of Sport over the weekend. Niamh Ryan, Catherine Hallinan and Katie Molloy were among the many international athletes who attended. “Having a Jubilee that represents us, our community, and the community around the…