The Church in Dublin has decided to hand over management of a Catholic Irish language school to another patron body after ensuring that religious education will continue under the new multi-denominational ethos. Archbishop Dermot Farrell hailed the transfer of patronage of Scoil Chaitlín Maude from the Archdiocese of Dublin to An Foras Pátrúnachta as “a…
Pleas from TDs for a return to public worship for Holy Week were shot down in the Dáil last night (Thursday) as the Government insisted that it would not entertain discussion on the issue until Easter Monday, April 5 at the earliest. Rural Independent deputies Mattie McGrath, Carol Nolan, Michael Collins and Richard O’Donoghue made…
There is “cautious optimism” and delight as Catholics return to public Mass in the North this week. The return in time for the celebration of Holy Week and Easter has been described as “great news” as people were at “the end of their tether”. Catholic activist Tracey Harkin told this paper: “I think the feeling…
Politicians have dubbed the fining of a priest for holding public Mass “disgraceful” and grossly unfair. This newspaper revealed at the weekend that Co. Cavan-based Fr PJ Hughes had been slapped with a €500 fine by gardaí after he left the doors of the church open so parishioners could feel free to attend Mass. This…
Pope Francis is working to break a perspective that religion is connected to violence, writes Chai Brady The Pope has been a leading light when it comes to interreligious dialogue – breaking down barriers in the Middle East – and when it comes to his visit to Iraq, he gave new hope in an area…
Children’s Corner We’re now approaching Easter and as the temperatures increase, the sun makes its presence felt and spring brings a plethora of growth in nature, what better time to investigate whether the colour of our clothes matters when it comes to retaining heat? When you’re out in the sun on a warm day does…
Gang intimidation due to drug debts has increased during lockdown according to a group who help families affected by drug addiction. In addition, more families are becoming “isolated” with online forums failing to bridge the gap, a coordinator from the National Family Support Network said. North East Region coordinator Gwen McKenna told this paper: “Gang…
It’s not easy to create something unique, but one artist has been making St Brigid’s crosses like no other, writes Chai Brady Many people are familiar with a St Brigid’s cross, usually small and crafted with rushes made on the saint’s feast day of February 1 but one Irishman has gone a step further using…
EXCLUSIVE An Iraqi prelate who trained for the priesthood in Ireland has said that the historic visit of Pope Francis is a reminder to the world that the tiny Church there is still a beacon of hope despite the challenges. Archbishop Bashar Matti Warda told The Irish Catholic that he hopes the visit will inspire a…
A Dublin priest was not in breach of any laws when he was distributing Communion after his online Masses, according to a law professor. Fr Binoy Matthew co-PP of Mountview and Blakestown had been allowing people to come to the Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in Hunstown during a two-hour window to receive…