A prominent historian who advises the Government about contentious commemorations has rejected claims by President Michael D. Higgins that an ecumenical service to mark partition is political in nature. Dr Eamon Phoenix said next month’s service in Armagh organised by the main Christian traditions on the island, which President Higgins has refused to attend, was…
Neymar offered €500,000 a month to keep quiet about faith
Brazil and Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) superstar Neymar reportedly receives €6.5 million a year for avoiding any “political or religious” propaganda that might ruin the club’s image. The ‘ethical clause’ also stops the 29-year-old from expressing any “negative public comments about the club” and asks for “exemplary” behaviour from the footballer. The clause also reportedly said…
Bishops grant ICDLN rebrand wishes
The president of the Irish Catholic Doctors Learning Network (ICDLN) has said that he’s “very grateful to the Irish episcopal council for their permission” to rebrand as the Catholic Medical Association (CMA). Dr Keith Holmes of the CMA said the move was “big for us” and that it lends “us a greater sense of legitimacy”.…
Lessons to be learned from Hungary – Senator Mullen
There’s a “real need for clear thinking” when it comes to Hungary, in order to “avoid the propaganda element that comes into play whenever Orban is discussed,” Senator Rónán Mullen said following the Pope’s meeting with controversial Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán. Speaking to The Irish Catholic newspaper, Senator Mullen said that there are aspects…
PIH’s first conference seeks to set up young singles
Catholic youth group Pure in Heart is seeking to give young, single Catholics a place to meet “in a very safe and very friendly environment” with its first-ever conference, according to General Manager Helen Vysotska. The ‘Pursuit of Love’ conference, to take place October 1-3, 2021, is set to offer both theoretical and practical experience,…
Building up your bones
The cooler weather will soon enough be instilling a chill in our bones, but there’s no reason why we can’t strengthen them before then, writes Jason Osborne Brittle bones, or ‘osteoporosis’, is the most common bone disorder to occur. It’s most common in older, post-menopausal females, but it can affect adults of any age or…
Pope Francis and President Higgins talk peace process in the North
Strengthening the peace process in the North was among the topics discussed when Pope Francis received President Michael D. Higgins today (Friday) at the Vatican. President Higgins met the Pontiff before meeting Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, who was accompanied by Vatican Foreign Minister Archbishop Paul Gallagher. A Vatican statement said that during…
Vatican publishes letters to rabbis emphasising Pope’s respect for Judaism
Pope Francis has not devalued the Torah and does not question the fact that the Torah is crucial for modern Judaism, Cardinal Kurt Koch told two prominent Jewish leaders. “Pope Francis fully respects the foundations of Judaism and always seeks to deepen the bonds of friendship between the two faith traditions,” wrote the cardinal, who…
Victorious Tyrone team thankful for prayers and support
Tyrone’s All-Ireland victory over Mayo has been received in a spirit of humility, with Tyrone star Conor Meyler saying the team are “so grateful” for all of the prayers and support received from their county-men and women. “As a team, we’re so grateful and feel blessed with the huge support and prayers that we have…
Drug crime dire in Ireland’s north-east, says Bishop Router
Drug-related crime and addiction is “as bad as he’s seen it” since he started drug-related pastoral work in the mid-90s, Bishop Michael Router told this paper. Bishop Router has been calling for greater focus in the funding and resourcing of family support networks amid growing drug-related crime and anti-social behaviour in the island’s north-east. Speaking…










