The Irish Church needs to “seriously review” the practical, emotional, and spiritual supports it offers to those preparing for marriage, says Elphin’s Bishop Kevin Doran. Addressing pilgrims at Knock basilica during the annual Novena, Dr Doran said that “some couples entering into marriage start at a disadvantage, because they are not adequately prepared.” In this,…
Three workers with the Catholic aid agency Caritas were abducted from their convoy in the Democratic Republic of Congo and held for 24 hours by militiamen in the troubled North Kivu region, it has been reported. Initial reports detailed a gun attack on the convoy of vehicles in which a German photojournalist covering the work…
The former director of the Irish Episcopal Commission for Emigrants has described the Irish Church’s lack of a voice on the integration of migrants as “abysmal”. Speaking to the Irish Catholic this week in the wake of new figures, showing that the number of asylum seekers placed into direct provision last year doubled over numbers…
A Catholic bishop in the Philippines has led calls for the nation’s elected representatives to uncover the truth about the surge in killings of suspected drug dealers and addicts. As senators convene a congressional inquiry into killings which have risen in line with the tough stance adopted by President Rodrigo Duterte since his election on…
Chilean Bishop welcomes talks A Catholic bishop in Chile has welcomed moves to establish a forum for dialogue towards ending violence and arson attacks in the Araucania region. Bishop Hector Vargas of Temuco said such a forum for talks “will be very positive” if they are conducted for “the common good of all inhabitants”. The proposal of talks…
Good news in India was tempered with a sad loss, writes Paul Keenan
In “a landmark achievement of Irish diplomacy”, Ireland has successfully steered member states of the United Nations to an agreement on the protection of migrants and refugees. Since last February, the UN’s 193 states have engaged in rounds of negotiations on how best to deal with the surging reality of migration, both economic and forced.…
Senator Rónán Mullen has rejected calls for the forthcoming citizens’ assembly on the abortion to be held behind closed doors. Speaking to The Irish Catholic this week amid the latest row over the assembly – whether or not to reveal the identities of its members – Senator Mullen said that, while he had always objected…
Filipino Bishops criticize use of Bible to justify death penalty Catholic bishops in The Philippines have taken to task boxing champion and politician Manny Pacquiao for his claim that the Bible sanctions reviving the death penalty in the country. The famed athlete, known for his Christian devotion, was delivering a speech to the Filipino Senate when he began to quote passages of the…
Violations of religious freedom are increasing worldwide, a new report from the US State Department has revealed. Produced annually, the Report on International Freedom for 2015 reveals that in addition to the expected violations committed by non-state actors such as so-called Islamic State and Boko Haram, “amongst the most egregious abusers of religious freedom in…