The law introduced last week on religious gatherings has made it illegal even to hold outdoor confession, according to a law professor. Professor Oran Doyle, from the law school at Trinity College Dublin, said the new provision, SI 171/2021, applies to both indoor and outdoor events and “that’s where it is different from restrictions on…
The vandalism of Jewish graves in Belfast’s City Cemetery has been dubbed “distressing” and “anti-Semitic” by Bishop Noel Treanor of the Diocese of Down and Connor. The police launched a hate crime investigation into the incident which took place last Thursday. Ten gravestones were damaged. In 2016, 13 graves in the same plot were damaged…
A race car driving prince has opened up about how he always tries to go to Mass before his races, even asking a priest to celebrate a private Mass in his hotel room when there was none available. Prince Ferdinand von Habsburg, who competes in the Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters (DTM) but has also raced in…
A Tipperary priest has queried whether the Government will be financially supporting clergy who have invested in webcams in order to move their services online. Fr Michael Toomey PP of Ardfinnan and Newcastle told The Irish Catholic he spent €5,000 setting up a webcam to broadcast Masses to his parishioners. He also pays €180 a…
Children’s Corner When it comes to food, everyone has their own opinion on what is delicious and what is wholly repulsive. While some enjoy a generous helping of marmite, olives or blue cheese on their plate, others will have a feeling of deep dread in the pit of their stomach about the thought of eating…
The Primate of All-Ireland Archbishop Eamon Martin has expressed “deep concern” regarding the criminalising of public worship despite Church cooperation with public health messaging, in a meeting with the Minister for Health today. Archbishop Eamon met with Minister Stephen Donnelly and Dr Colette Bonner from the Office of the Chief Medical Officer in the afternoon…
Church leaders were praised for their “ongoing contribution to peace building” in the North by Taoiseach Micheál Martin following a meeting yesterday. The Taoiseach and Church leaders also agreed they “look forward to the time when church services and other in-person activities can resume”. Primate of All-Ireland Archbishop Eamon Martin, Church of Ireland Primate of…
Attacks on three homes in Carrickfergus attributed to loyalists aiming to intimidate Catholic residents have been dubbed “horrendous” and sectarian. Windows of houses were smashed in three areas in Woodburn estate, with the PSNI saying a man wearing a balaclava was seen running away after two of the incidents. Responding to reports, SDLP Cllr Eugene…
Poor families are struggling to buy food as prices rise “astronomically” and Brazil’s Covid-19 crisis worsens, according to an Irish Spiritan based there. Fr Brendan Foley, the Superior of the Brazil South-West Province and parish priest in Perus, São Paulo told this paper that in response to the increase in food prices they opened a food bank…
Religious leaders have a key role in supporting peace and reconciliation, writes Chai Brady Churches must be visible in communities and actively engage with young people and those involved in the violence that has wracked the North in recent weeks, according to a Passionist priest who has become well-known for his work in interface communities.…