Parishes have been left in limbo regarding Government help with the rocketing cost of fuel. A Government scheme will allow Church-owned properties to avail of additional funds as long as it is being used for a “community service”. In response to a query from The Irish Catholic, a spokesperson for the Department of Rural and…
The economic pressures on families and individuals have led to “an unacceptable level of social deprivation”, the Irish bishops have warned. Following their Autumn General Meeting in Maynooth the bishops said if the hardship is not dealt with “equitably by those who have public responsibility” it will threaten social cohesion and the common good. “In…
There has been an outpouring of grief, sympathy and messages of solidarity across Ireland and the world following the devastating explosion at a petrol station in Creeslough, Co. Donegal. Across the world Masses have been offered, rosaries prayed and holy hours held. As the funerals continue this week, Church leaders spoke of the “awful loss”…
A host of people young and old came together to celebrate the golden jubilee of St Anne’s Church in Portmarnock, Co. Dublin. The colourful event had Mass, face painting, music, magic, cake and more to mark 50 years of the establishment of the church in 1972. The family fun day took place after Mass, which…
Iran blocks conversion to Christianity with severe consequences for breaches, writes Chai Brady Iran faces some of the biggest demonstrations against the government in decades following the death of a young woman at the hands of the ‘morality police’. The death of Mahsa Amini, a 22-year-old Iranian woman, has continued to make headlines after she…
The Police Service of Northern Ireland is not doing enough to recruit Catholic police officers with outreach to some communities being “non-existent”, the newly formed Catholic Police Guild has warned. Speaking to The Irish Catholic, leading members of the guild said they felt they have been “actively excluded” from recruitment drives. Chief Inspector Graham Dodds…
An Irish priest based in Florida has told of the devastation caused by Hurricane Ian, with the death toll estimated at around 100 people so far. Fr Murchadh O’Madagain PP of St Vincent de Paul in Fort Myers, is originally from Co. Galway. He told The Irish Catholic that while his parish was fortunate to escape the…
An Irish sister has been hailed for her “significant” work in education as she was awarded an honorary doctorate in Malaysia. Sr Enda Ryan FMM (Francisan Missionaries of Mary) from Galbally, Co. Limerick worked in the country for 67 years. She received the doctorate in humanities from Taylor’s University. Speaking at the ceremony, Sr Enda…
Encouraging Catholics to join the police in the North continues to be a challenge for many reasons, PSNI officers tell Chai Brady The North of Ireland has a long history of sectarianism that continues to rear its ugly head to this day. A police force that is more representative can help to tackle legacy issues, but just…
The Irish bishops have called on the Government to extend energy bill supports to parish centres and churches which were ignored in Budget 2023. The prelates warned that there is likely to be “drastic closures” due to rapidly rising energy costs. In the Irish Catholic Bishops’ Conference statement after their Autumn 2022 General Meeting, they…