The Annual ‘Fan the Flame’ Mass for all children who received the Sacrament of Confirmation in the Diocese of Derry during the past year was celebrated in Celtic Park GAA Ground earlier this month. The Mass also marked the end of their primary education. Around 3,000 young people from Donegal, Derry and Tyrone attended, many…
Questions of Faith While for Catholics, calling a priest ‘Father’ seems like a non-issue, for many other Christian denominations, this practice is seen as unbiblical. The accusation is an understandable and thought-provoking one, given that Jesus says: “Call no man your father on earth, for you have one Father, who is in heaven” (Matt. 23:9).…
A national assembly or synod which listens to the experience of the laity could help alleviate the current crisis the Irish Church is facing, a prominent Jesuit has said. Fr Gerry O’Hanlon SJ said that the Church in Ireland is at a “crisis” point and that a national assembly or synod which draws together religious…
Despite various reports last year that Dublin’s World Meeting of Families would cost up to €40 million, the festival’s Secretary General has confirmed that “it came in under budget”. Fr Timothy Bartlett told this newspaper that WMOF cost under its €20 million budget and that the final figures of the event will be available to…
After gaining the title of undisputed lightweight women’s champion over the weekend, it seems Bray-native Katie Taylor is thankful not only to her family and fans, but also to God. The famous Irish boxer defeated Belgian fighter Delfine Persoon in Madison Square Gardens over the weekend, securing the WBC green belt. In the lead up…
Questions of Faith There are plenty of religious artefacts, statues and artistic pieces which elicit intrigue, wonder and sometimes confusion. One object that fits into this category is the Moses – a sculpture by the famous Italian artist Michelangelo Buonarroti – which is housed in the church of San Pietro in Vincoli in Rome. It…
A priest has said his parishioners will be “delighted” when the US president arrives in Ireland next month. The comments come after the White House confirmed Donald Trump is to visit Ireland on June 5, and is expected to stay at his golf resort in Clare during his stay. Fr Joe Haugh of Doonbeg parish…
Hundreds of people gathered in Derry this month in honour of St Thérèse of Lisieux and to celebrate faith and community. As part of the annual Little Way Novena in St Eugene’s Cathedral, almost 1,000 church-goers attended the Masses, which began with the Anointing of the Sick. The tradition of commemorating St Thérèse – also…
A new push for families to be more involved in the sacramental preparation of their children is a “wake-up call” for parents who are apathetic to the Faith. Fr Gerry Kane of Booterstown told this newspaper that parents shouldn’t be relying on schools to prepare their children for the Sacraments, noting that this process should…
A Fermanagh-based priest has launched a ground-breaking report into the death of his cousin, decades after he was killed by the RUC. Michael Leonard, the cousin of Fr Joe McVeigh of St Michael’s parish, was shot by the police on May 17, 1973 while driving. He was 24-years-old, a farmer and cattle-dealer, living in Donegal.…