Changes to the award-winning Burren Programme have been poorly received, and criticised as a “step backwards” and “unfeasible” by Columban and ecologist Fr Sean McDonagh. Around 330 farmers currently participate in the Burren Programme, which is a local agri-environmental climate measure started in 2016, and is to be replaced by the new Agri Climate Rural…
Faith Development Synodal cries for faith development must not go unanswered, writes Jason Osborne One of the key themes to emerge from the Church’s synodal journey so far is the need for comprehensive, ambitious faith formation. Many of those who’ve turned out have expressed a deep desire to better know and understand their faith. At…
Up to 95% of unborn children diagnosed with Down Syndrome at the Rotunda Maternity Hospital are being aborted abroad, Master of the Rotunda hospital Professor Fergal Malone has said. Speaking to the Independent, Prof. Malone said that the “vast majority” of patients who receive a prenatal diagnosis of Down Syndrome at his hospital decide to…
Saint of the week November 24 sees the Church remember and celebrate 117 martyrs, killed for their commitment to the Catholic Faith in Vietnam between the 17th and 19th Centuries. Fr Andrew Dung-Lac, a priest, gives his name to the feast, and the 116 other martyrs he’s remembered alongside stand in for a multitude. Among…
Faith Development What is heaven? Heaven is often depicted in movies and tv shows as a radiant, sunny respite in the clouds, where the dead gather like fleshy angels against the backdrop of a perfect blue sky to enjoy their white robes and harps forevermore. Is there any truth to this image? If so, where…
Famous Jewish actor and comedian Gad Elmaleh has announced his conversion to Catholicism, saying that Our Lady played a crucial role and that she is his “most beautiful love”. A big star in France and further afield, Mr Elmaleh has starred in several big hits, including Midnight in Paris, Priceless, Coco and La Doublure. His…
Plans to redevelop the Catholic Chaplaincy site at Queen’s University Belfast have been submitted, with work due to start at the end of the present academic year. Speaking to The Irish Catholic newspaper, Catholic chaplain to QUB Fr Dominic McGrattan said it’s coming “at a time of real growth for us”. “We’re celebrating our 50th…
Politicians have expressed concerns about the “subjectivity” and “lack of clarity” present in the proposed ‘hate crime’ legislation, which will add gender, including gender expression and identity, and disability to a list of “protected characteristics”. Speaking to The Irish Catholic newspaper, Independent TD for Clare Michael McNamara said that he has concerns about the bill…
Out of sight, out of mind as Ireland seeks to offload harms of surrogacy to other countries, writes Jason Osborne Government sources have reportedly confirmed media rumours over the weekend that they’re looking to ban commercial surrogacy in Ireland, while permitting it abroad in legislation set to come before Cabinet this week. If that seems…
Laois-native Fr Bill Treacy has left a loving legacy in the US, writes Jason Osborne Irish priest Fr William ‘Bill’ Treacy died Sunday, October 16 in Washington state at the age of 103, with many believing him to have been the oldest priest in the USA. Fr Treacy was well-known among Seattle’s Irish community, ministering…