An Irish missionary has blasted Brazil’s president for his “complete lack of direction” during the coronavirus crisis, and for putting the economy before the poor. Fr Brendan Foley CSSp, the Superior of the Brazil South-West Province of the Spiritans and PP in Perus, São Paulo, said as the virus is expected to peak in June…
Sweet Treats With Eastertide coming to an end on Sunday, if you haven’t made an Easter Simnel Cake yet, you’re definitely missing out – and there’s no time like the present. The name simnel probably comes from the ancient Roman word simila, meaning fine flour. Simple, every day, simnel bread has been made in…
Relief as closed churches re-open for prayer Parishioners and priests across the North have reacted with a mixture of joy and relief after churches began re-opening this week as part of the relaxation of the coronavirus lockdown. Bishop of Derry Donal McKeown told The Irish Catholic that he is “delighted”. “It’s fine praying from…
A Kerry priest who is celebrating car park Masses for people struggling or unable to watch online Mass has said “we can’t let fear dominate us”. Fr Kevin McNamara PP of Moyvane, who started celebrating outdoor Masses with his congregation, who stay in their cars throughout, said there has been a “great response”. “They’re seeing…
Archbishop Eamon Martin has appealed to Catholic schools in the North to set aside the traditional transfer tests which decide based on academic selection which secondary school a child attends. In a letter sent this week to 165 schools across the dioceses of Armagh and Dromore, Archbishop Eamon insisted that children are under enough pressure…
Isolation could lead to risky behaviour, writes Chai Brady Social distancing and staying at home have become the new norm and even as restrictions are eased there are still a lot people doing this to protect each other during the pandemic. However, there are concerns this could be leading to dangerous behaviours due to…
Children’s Corner In these days of lockdown many parents are doing their best to keep their children occupied and up to date with their education. With schools being out of the equation it can be daunting to teach children subjects that may not be a parent’s strong point: like science. However, there are fun…
Bishop of Elphin Kevin Doran has warned that public health officials must balance the benefits of coronavirus restrictions on older people alongside the contribution over-70s make to communities. Under State guidelines, older people are now permitted to exercise daily but are still expected to avoid other public contact including with family members. Bishop Doran told…
The Vatican’s decision to allow the Sisters of Charity to gift lands to the State worth €200m for the new National Maternity Hospital has been dubbed “just wrong” as abortion will take place there. Moral theologians previously urged Rome to block the handover. Following the order’s announcement of the Holy See’s approval to transfer ownership…
Singers and musicians from Christian churches across Ireland are being asked to join together in a virtual tribute and blessing for frontline workers that will be released at the end of this month. At a local level, participants are asked to select a facility which provides an essential service and to dedicate their rendition of…