Taoiseach Enda Kenny has confirmed that a referendum on the removal of the offence of blasphemy from the Constitution will not take place during the lifetime of this Government. The Government believes proposed changes to the Constitution should be put to the people on a phased basis, he told RTÉ News, and that a third…
Courtney McGrail
Fr Flannery would be ‘surprised’ if bishops raise his case
Staff reporter Controversial cleric Fr Tony Flannery has said he would be “surprised” if his case was discussed at a high-profile meeting of Vatican officials in Hungary this week. The outspoken priest, who was suspended from ministry in 2012, said he would be “very happy” if Irish bishops attending the key meeting raised his case. He…
First baptism in the ‘new’ St Mel’s
Fr John Quinn baptising Lucy Drew Quinn, daughter of Jamie and Enda Quinn, Longford who was one of the first children to be baptised in St Mel’s Cathedral since it re-opened in December following a five-year rebuilding project. Photo: Tiernan Dolan
Anniversary Mass for Tom O’Gorman
A Mass is being held in Dublin next week to mark the first anniversary of the tragic death of Tom O’Gorman, a well-known Catholic activist. His friends have organised an anniversary Mass at 3pm on Saturday, January 24 in Our Lady Mother of the Church, Castleknock, where Tom served for many years as a Minister…
Pope writes to Wexford boy
Samuel McNally (7) from St Aidan’s parish in Enniscorthy, Co. Wexford proudly displays the Christmas card he received from Pope Francis. Samuel had made his own cards for Christmas and sent one off to Pope Francis. He was delighted when the Apostolic Nunciature in Ireland forwarded him a Christmas card and photo from the Pope…
Beauty and the Pope
Pope Francis meets Hollywood star Angelina Jolie during a private audience at the Vatican. The actress and director met with the Pope after a screening at the Vatican of her film Unbroken about an Italian American POW during World War II. Photo: CNS
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
America plans to shut down Guantanamo camp – Pope
Pope Francis has confirmed that the United States government intends to close its controversial detention centre at Guantanamo Bay. Speaking at his annual address to the diplomatic corps, he said: “I note with satisfaction the intention of the United States to close the Guantanamo detention facilities, while acknowledging the generous willingness of several countries to…
The path back to Rome
Sean Ryan This little red book of 132 pages is a gem. While telling the story of Tom Peterson, founder of the Catholics Come Home organisation, it also emphasises the duty of every baptised Catholic to use their talents to spread the Good News. Peterson was a marketing and advertising guru, whose practice of his faith…