Ireland’s bishops have offered their sympathy following the killing of an Irish UN peacekeeper in Lebanon last week. On behalf of the Irish bishops’ conference, Archbishop Eamon Martin of Armagh and Archbishop Dermot Farrell of Dublin said it was a “tragic event”. It is the first time in more than 20 years an Irish soldier…
Following Pope Francis call to release prisoners on Christmas the Department of Justice said Irish prisons are committed to treating “everyone with dignity and respect”. The Pope asked governments around the world – including Ireland – last week to give prisoners “a gesture of clemency” as communities prepare to celebrate the birth of Jesus. He…
Ireland’s former football manager gives his two cents on the entwining of sport and politics, writes Chai Brady Growing up in an Irish Catholic family in the North of Ireland, football star turned manager Martin O’Neill said he would pray the rosary every evening – his mother being a strong influence in this – and…
Christmas can be a time to pray for loved ones abroad or who have passed away, Eileen Dunne tells Chai Brady Veteran media newsreader and household face Eileen Dunne will miss being in the hot seat when breaking news stories land but plans to take it easy and enjoy Christmas after her retirement from RTÉ.…
A plea by Pope Francis for a Christmas clemency for prisoners has been hailed as “powerful and courageous” by an Irish nun who has dedicated her life to supporting prisoners and their families. In a letter to governments around the world – including Ireland – the Pontiff this week asked for a gesture of mercy…
Pope Francis’ call for priests to engage closely with their flock is alive and well in army chaplaincy, writes Chai Brady More than two months into their UN mission in Syria, the spirits of Irish troops are high and those with faith have been bolstered by it, according to the army chaplain on the mission.…
The loneliness of prisoners can become particularly acute at Christmas, but a Samaritans’ scheme aims to help, writes Chai Brady Christmas day is quiet in prisons as workshops and other activities are halted. Making a phone or video call home is a possibility but it is not the same as being physically close, sharing Christmas…
There is “delight” after an agricultural project funded by the Irish Jesuits won the 2022 Climate Action Awards, run by Misean Cara. The Multi-educational and Agricultural Jesuit Institute of South Sudan (MAJIS) Rumbek, South Sudan took home the prize in the ‘project-based’ section. Its focus is on the empowerment of women farmers, transferring knowledge to…
While the European Union is not perfect, we must recognise its achievements, the new Irish EU nuncio tells Chai Brady There are matters of “serious concern” for the Church regarding certain manoeuvrings within the European Union, but there are Catholic organisations and people working to make sure they are challenged, according to the new Apostolic…
A new bill aimed at addressing the legacy of the Troubles in the North of Ireland deprives victims of their fundamental rights, according to a member of the House of Lords. Baroness Nuala O’Loan, former Police Ombudsman of Northern Ireland, has condemned what she calls the “ludicrously named” Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Bill.…