“They want something different to everyday life. They’re looking for something real, something rooted,” said Fr Simon Nolan, Carmelite Prior of Whitefriar Street Church, reflecting on the growing number of young people getting involved at the historic Dublin church. Speaking at the Carmelite Novena to Our Lady of Mt Carmel, Fr Nolan said he was…
One in six pregnancies in Ireland now ends in abortion, according to figures released by the Department of Health showing a record 10,852 abortions in 2024. The real figure is likely to be several hundred higher because full hospital data are not yet available. The number of abortions has climbed by 65% since 2019, which…
Seventeen men from across Ireland gathered in Knock on Sunday to explore a possible call to diocesan priesthood at a national Come and See Day. An event described by Fr Willie Purcell, National Vocations Coordinator, as “a very successful and productive day.” Organised for those at the initial stage of inquiry into priesthood, the event…
In churches across Ireland, people with disabilities and their families can often feel excluded from community life, particularly when attending Mass. For some, the sensory overload of a typical Mass – with its smells and bells – can be overwhelming. To be clear, this isn’t just an issue for families with children on the spectrum…
At a time when much of contemporary art tends toward transgression, irony, or ambiguity – or with the rise of quick-fire AI generated images. The philosophy of Sheelagh Duff is refreshingly clear – art is made with a purpose. Made for God. Her embroidery encircles and enshrines a variety of sacred images – Our Lady,…
Pope Leo has appointed Bishop Brendan Leahy of Limerick to the Vatican’s Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue, a department tasked with fostering relationships between the Catholic Church and other religions. Bishop Leahy, who will continue his role in Limerick, has long been active in this field through the Irish Catholic Bishops’ Conference and his theological writings…
Thousands marched through the heart of Dublin last Saturday in the annual Rally for Life. Attendees came from all over Ireland and beyond to show their support for mothers, unborn children, and for a renewal of a culture of life. From Parnell Square to Custom House Quay, the people marched with bright red placards with…
Thousands gathered to make their voices heard at the 2025 Rally for Life, which took place in Dublin on Saturday, July 5. The streets pulsed with music, chanting, banners and flags as a tide of red signs moved from Parnell Square to Custom House Quay. From a distance, the sea of placards made the entire…
The Church needs to offer clearer guidance on when priests should refuse Catholic politicians and others Communion, a leading moral theologian has said. Dr John Murray of Dublin City University was speaking after a priest in the UK refused Communion to Liberal Democrat MP Chris Coghlan, who voted in favour of a bill in the…
At 86 years old, Canon Sean Rogan has once again proven that music can move hearts. The retired priest from the parish of Drumbo and Carryduff recently hosted an evening of music and song to raise funds for people affected by the ongoing humanitarian crises in Gaza and Sudan. What began as a modest parish…