The formation of future priests in Ireland is expanding far beyond traditional theological study, a meeting at St Patrick’s College, Maynooth, has heard. At a recent gathering of formators and Church partners, Rev. Sean Corkery, Coordinator of Human and Pastoral Formation at the National Seminary, outlined how seminarians are now trained in a wide range…
Pilgrim paths across Ireland are set to come alive this Easter as part of Pilgrim Paths Week 2026, a nationwide series of guided walks celebrating the country’s ancient routes and drawing people into a shared experience of reflection, community and renewal. From the slopes of Kerry to the lakeshore of Donegal, the week (April 3–12)…
Dawn Masses are set to take place across the country this Easter Sunday, offering early risers a chance to mark the Resurrection. Fr Paul Prior, PP of Mullagh & Cross, Co. Cavan, said the celebration, now in its second year locally, has already struck a chord with parishioners. “As the liturgy progresses, the sun rises…
Youth uptick is small and fragile but very real Even amid crisis and change, the “flame of faith” in Ireland has not gone out a gathering of young people in Armagh have been told. “Those who have the flame of faith burning… can find a way to reach out once again,” said Bishop Michael Router,…
A number of Irish dioceses are stepping up efforts to encourage vocations to the priesthood, with “Come and See” events taking place over the coming weeks and months, including gatherings in Knock on March 28, Thurles on April 11, and Galway on May 10. The initiatives are part of a wider push to invite men…
A strong sense of “hunger” among young Catholics was evident at this year’s conference organised by Evangelium Ireland, which brought 115 participants to Cork for a day of talks, discussion and Mass. Held at the Clayton Hotel Silver Springs, the event marked the first time the group’s annual conference has taken place outside Dublin. Speakers…
The election of Pope Leo XIV could place the Catholic Church on a “collision course” with US political movements, a leading theologian has warned. Prof. Massimo Faggioli, professor of ecclesiology at the Loyola Institute in Trinity College Dublin and a prominent scholar of global Catholicism, told The Irish Catholic that the unprecedented election of a…
Clergy, laity, families and young people from across the Archdiocese of Armagh gathered over the weekend for a major congress focused on youth, family and faith, marking a significant moment in the diocese’s ongoing process of renewal. The Pope expressed particular encouragement for young people” Around 300 delegates took part in the three-day event at…
Churches in Ireland are being encouraged to reflect on how they welcome migrants and displaced people at a conference organised by Tearfund Ireland this weekend. Emma Lynch of Tearfund Ireland told The Irish Catholic the event aims to bring “lessons… from churches in Lebanon” to an Irish context, particularly as displacement rises globally and tensions…
A protest outside Belfast City Hall at the weekend has drawn attention to proposed city centre by-laws that campaigners say could restrict pro-life outreach, street preaching and public expression. Around 100 people gathered for the demonstration organised by Liberty NI, with speakers aiming to raise awareness of the proposals among the wider public. Speaking to…