Dear Editor, I was very surprised to read that the Vatican has ordered Catholics to replace hugs and kisses with handshakes when they are offering the Sign of Peace.Pope Francis is banning hugs and kisses at Mass, and he has told bishops to draw up strict guidelines. The circular said churchgoers should be offered “practical…
Mags Gargan
O’Connell memorial
Dear Editor, Thanks to The Irish Catholic for Martin O’Brien’s insightful interview of Francis Campbell, who has taken over the leadership of London’s St Mary’s University. As an Irishman, Mr Campbell follows in the footsteps of many great Irish Vincentians most notably Fr Kevin Cronin and Fr Des Beirne. One aspect of Mr Campbell’s campaigning…
Atrocities in the Middle East
Dear Editor, The forced expulsion of Iraqi Christians from their homes by ISIS is a great human tragedy and should not be happening in the 21st Century. It is a great crime and humanitarian disaster. It should be strongly condemned by all right thinking people who believe in religious freedom and democracy. ISIS ideology is…
Ireland is suffering a ‘religious cleansing’
Dear Editor, The army has been prohibited from participating in the Annual Easter Commemoration Mass at Arbour Hill, but there was no difficulty in allowing the band of An Gárda Síochána to take part in the Gay Pride procession in Dublin some months ago.It is only a few years ago since the Christmas Crib was…
Christian faith being obliterated in Iraq – Martin
“All signs of the presence of Christians and the practice of the Faith have been obliterated”
Ballina choir perform for Pope Francis
The choir of St Muredach’s Cathedral in Ballina, Co. Mayo have recently returned from a trip to Rome where they sang in St Peter’s Basilica on July 20 for 10.30am Mass. Pope Francis stood at the window of the Papal Apartments in Rome and greeted the cathedral choir following their performance with the words: “I…
Knock ecumenical service to mark 190 years of RNLI
A special ecumenical service will be held at Knock Shrine, Co. Mayo next weekend to mark the 190th anniversary of the RNLI. The service, which will take place in the Basilica at 12noon on Saturday, August 9 will celebrate the charity’s work in saving lives at sea while commemorating those who gave their lives in…
Mayobridge celebrates St Anne’s Day
On Saturday July 26, hundreds of people from around the country visited the Shrine of St Anne, which is situated in the Poor Clare Convent grounds in Mayobridge, Co. Down. The Poor Clare Sisters, assisted by many parishioners, were present to welcome pilgrims to the shrine from far and near. This annual event in the…
Priests mark 40 years of fraternity
Over 25 priests, from 12 different dioceses came together at Mount St Joseph’s Cistercian Abbey, Roscrea, Co. Tipperary last week to pray together on retreat. They are members of the Jesus Caritas Fraternity of Priests, inspired by the life and writings of (Blessed) Charles de Foucauld (1858 -1916). The Fraternity has over 200 priests in…
Palestinians’ desperation spurs violence – Patriarch
Patriarch calls for lifting the Israeli blockade of Gaza