Today in the presence of the relics of St Bernadette let us pray for a portion of her faith, her self-effacing good humour, her humility that somehow never faltered, and that unfailing patience and perseverance with people who misjudged her,” said Bishop Coll of Ossory during his homily for the reception of the relics of…
Ireland has welcomed the gifting of a painted replica of the sacred Weeping Virgin Mother of Győr, presented by His Excellency Bishop András Veres of Győr, Hungary, on a recent visit to the island. This gesture reaffirms the deep historical and spiritual bond between the Dioceses of Galway, Clonfert, and Győr – a connection that…
Faith and Light communities from the Northern Region, including Carrickmacross, Clones, Enniskillen, Lisnaskea/Newtownbutler, and Tydavnet, travelled to Lough Derg to celebrate their annual pilgrimage on Sunday, September 12. Upon arrival, participants were warmly welcomed with tea and scones before enjoying an uplifting session of music and dancing led by Joe McManus. Mass was celebrated by Fr…
Nearly 1,000 people filled the streets of Dublin on September 14 2024, following the Blessed Sacrament. The event, a highlight of the ‘Walk The Cross’ pilgrimage, saw pilgrims journey over 100 kilometres from Clonmacnoise to the capital, culminating in a procession that held powerful witness to Irish Catholicism. The pilgrimage commenced at the historic monastic…
When I was an undergraduate, during a Renaissance module, my professor suddenly asked a question that took the class by surprise, “Imagine waking up to the news that a new continent has just been discovered. How would you react? Would you believe it?” It felt absurd, given the world we live in, where satellites map…
The pilgrimage of the relics of St Bernadette continues to attract significant numbers across Ireland, with a recent stop providing parishioners in the dioceses of Limerick and Killaloe the opportunity to venerate the relics. Many traveled from across the country, drawn by the chance to engage in prayer, reflection, and personal devotion to the saint.…
In two special visits on August 22 and 29, Bishop Paul Dempsey engaged with young people in Dublin, giving insightful talks to two youth prayer groups, ‘Youth Rathmines’ and ‘Pure in Heart’. Bishop Dempsey focused on his personal vocation journey to the priesthood and his experiences as a bishop. During his presentation, Bishop Dempsey talked…
Thousands gathered in Galway Cathedral on September 5 to 6 to venerate the relics of St Bernadette of Lourdes. Fr John Gerard Acton of Galway Cathedral said that it was an immense privilege for both the Diocese and the Cathedral parish to host the relics of the young saint, noting how the two-day event of…
This October, for the first time, the sacred relics of 7th-century Irish monk and martyr St Kilian will return to his homeland in Co. Cavan from Germany. Maynooth has been selected as a stop on this journey, where the relics will be available for public veneration in the College Chapel on October 2. Rev. Prof.…
Recently, Bishop Paul Dempsey visited two youth prayer groups, where he shared his faith journey and reflections on his first months as auxiliary bishop of the archdiocese. “There’s so much criticism out there. We’ve come through a challenging time for the Church in Ireland – everyone knows that. Yet, the roots of the Church at…