The monks of La Trappe Abbey have announced they are considering leaving their historic monastery by 2028, citing a shortage of vocations and the difficulties of maintain the site. In a statement released earlier this month, the community said the possibility of departure would mark “a page of history that is about to be turned,”…
The dedication of a new altar at Mater Dei Church has marked a “new beginning” for a Co. Antrim parish, following a major restoration of the 1970s building. Speaking to The Irish Catholic, Canon Colm McBride PP said the ceremony, led by Bishop Alan McGuckian SJ, was “to dedicate the new altar but also an…
Ireland urged to recover the saint behind the Shamrock As Ireland prepares to celebrate St Patrick’s Day, Dominican priest Gregory Pine has called for what he described as an “authentic reappropriation” of the country’s patron saint. Speaking to The Irish Catholic during a visit to Dublin, Fr Pine – a popular Catholic speaker and member…
A diocesan initiative aimed at reconnecting young adults with parish life drew around 40 participants to Our Lady of Victories parish in Ballymun for a HopeFest gathering last weekend. HopeFest events, organised through the Archdiocese of Dublin’s youth ministry team, are being held in parishes across the diocese with the aim of creating spaces where…
Two Catholic churches in Co. Westmeath were targeted in suspected arson attacks in the early hours of Friday, March 6. The first incident occurred shortly before 2am at St James’ Church in Kilbeggan, where cloths soaked in diesel were placed across the front door and set alight. Parish priest Fr Brendan Corrigan responded after a…
As Ireland prepares to celebrate St Patrick’s Day, Nigerian priests serving in Irish parishes say the country’s patron saint remains an important figure in the story of the Church in Nigeria. For many Nigerian Catholics, the link between St Patrick and their own faith comes through the work of Irish missionaries who helped establish the…
When Fr Gary Chamberland CSC arrived in Dublin to take up the role of rector at Newman University Church just off of St Stephen’s Green, it was not the beginning anyone could have expected. “It was the middle of the Covid shutdown about 100 years ago,” Fr Chamberland recalled with a laugh. The Massachusetts-born priest…
More than 300 students have applied for places at a proposed study-abroad programme at Mount Melleray Abbey, signalling growing momentum behind plans that supporters say could bring new life to the historic Cistercian Monastery. The initiative, led by Florida-based Catholic institution Ave Maria University, would see up to 100 students per semester study at the…
The Evangelium young adult apologetics conference will take place in Cork on Saturday, March 21, marking the first time the annual gathering has been held outside the Dublin area. The event will bring together young adults aged 18–40 for a day of Mass, talks and discussion aimed at deepening understanding of the Catholic faith. Public…
Thousands gathered at the RDS this past weekend for the 35th Divine Mercy Conference, as pilgrims and faithful from across Ireland and abroad came together for prayer, worship and reflection on this year’s theme – ‘This is my Body… this is my Blood, given up for you’. The annual gathering brought together families, young people…