A tetanus vaccine condemned as a population control tool is safe, according to a team of experts appointed by Kenya’s Minister for Health and the Catholic Church. The joint commission was set up in November after Cardinal John Njue, Archbishop of Nairobi and President of Kenya’s bishops’ conference, met with representatives of the Ministry of…
Courtney McGrail
Portsmouth diocese announces new evangelisation plan
England’s Portsmouth diocese has announced a radical new evangelisation plan in line with Pope Francis’ call in Evangelii Gaudium to consider the renewal of structures demanded by pastoral conversion. Speaking in a video message, Bishop Philip Egan said the challenge for the diocese was to “move from maintenance to mission”, and as such it would…
World news in brief
Responsible freedom of expression requires respect for others’ feelings, says Pope “One cannot kill in the name of God”, said Pope Francis, answering a question on balancing freedom of religion and freedom of expression while he was flying from Sri Lanka to the Philippines. Describing both as “fundamental human rights”, he stressed that the principle point about religious liberty is that “One has freedom in…
iCatholic pilot new talk-show
The founder of iCatholic Fr Bill Kemmy has said he hopes the websites’ new talk-show ‘A Question of Faith’ will be “interesting and informative” for viewers who tune in. The half hour discussion programme, presented by Wendy Grace, is available online now. The first in the series features a discussion on the value of Catholic…
Trócaire critical of new climate bill
The Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Bill, published this week, is a weak and disappointing bill that ignores important recommendations from the Oireachtas Environment Committee, according to Trócaire. Éamonn Meehan, Trócaire’s Executive Director, says “time is not a luxury we have in tackling the impacts of climate change”, pointing out that climate change is…
Divine Mercy Conference on forgiveness
The 24th annual Divine Mercy Conference next month will focus on the theme of “Forgive us our Trespasses”. The weekend conference takes place over February 21-22 in the main hall of the RDS in Dublin. The speakers include Sr Briege McKenna OSC, Fr Michael Ross SDB, Fr Kevin Scallon CM, Philip Ryan and Fr Joe…
Primary school accused of discrimination
A primary school in the Archdiocese of Cashel and Emly has discriminated against a teacher, according to the Equality Tribunal, and has been directed to pay €54,000 compensation. The teacher had been working as deputy principal at the school for eight years when she applied for the job of principal in 2011, but the job…
Correction
In an article in the January 8, 2015 edition of The Irish Catholic it was incorrectly stated that Cardinal Paul Cullen was the only Archbishop of Dublin to be appointed a cardinal until Dr Desmond Connell’s elevation in 2001. This is, of course, not correct. Cardinal Cullen’s successor in Dublin Dr Edward MacCabe was created…
Nuns to ‘comply’ with mother and baby homes investigation
Staff Reporter The Bon Secours sisters have confirmed they will “comply fully” with a commission of investigation into mother and baby homes here. A spokesperson for the order told The Irish Catholic the nuns “intend to comply fully with the investigation”. The Government has announced that the commission of investigation into mother and baby homes will…
Climate change and an encyclical on the environment
The Pope’s thoughts on the environment can build a groundswell of support for a global treaty on climate change, writes Fr Seán McDonagh SSC