A group of Catholics in Dublin have created a Catholic events app called ‘Beacon’, with the purpose of ensuring that “everyone in Ireland is aware of the event and/or community that God is calling them to.” Speaking to The Irish Catholic Ciarán Heelan, app co-founder explained that “Every single person who downloads the app has…
The fundamental role of the family
Society has lost touch with the importance of the family. In a world increasingly driven by individualism, the community once nurtured by family networks has faded, leaving behind a sense of “fragility and isolation,” explained Vincenzo Bassi speaking to The Irish Catholic. The president of the Federation of Catholic Family Associations in Europe (FAFCE) and…
Catechism of the Catholic Church – Man created in the image of God
Man occupies a unique place in creation: he is ‘in the image of God’; in his own nature he unites the spiritual and material worlds; he is created ‘male and female’; God established him in his friendship. Of all visible creatures only, man is “able to know and love his creator”. He is “the only creature…
All maternity hospitals to enable abortion, Programme for government
The recent publication of the programme for government includes a commitment to “ensure that all maternity hospitals provide equitable access to termination of pregnancy services.” This objective has raised concerns. Eilís Mulroy, spokesperson for the Pro Life Campaign, speaking to The Irish Catholic explained that “the new government has not made any commitments such as…
Saint of the week – St John Bosco: the carer of souls
John Bosco was born on August 16, 1815 in Becchi, a small hamlet in the municipality of Castelnuovo d’Asti (now Castelnuovo Don Bosco), into a family of poor farmers. His father, Francesco, died when John was only two years old, leaving his mother, Margherita, to raise him and his siblings. Margherita inspired her children with…
Politicians are disregarding families, says international speaker
“The problems we face today stem from a lack of awareness about the function of the family,” said Vincenzo Bassi, president of the Federation of Catholic Family Associations in Europe (FAFCE), during his recent visit to Ireland. FAFCE represents the voice of families at the European Union and is an advocate for their role in…
St Francis of Sales: The call to the devout life
St Francis de Sales was born to a noble family at Chateau de Sales, Switzerland on August 21, 1567. He was a Bishop and is a Doctor of the Church. Francis was both intelligent and gentle. From a very early age, he desired to serve God. He knew for years he had a vocation to…
Heaven and Earth: The visible and the invisible
Catechism of the Catholic Church The Apostles’ Creed professes that God is “creator of Heaven and Earth.” The Nicene Creed makes it explicit that this profession includes “all that is, seen and unseen,” meaning ‘all that exists’, creation in its entirety. It also indicates the bond, deep within creation between Heaven and Earth. ‘The…
Irish youth ‘ready to evangelise’ and strengthen the Church
Young Catholics from all over Europe gathered in Cologne, Germany for the first conference organised by FOCUS – Fellowship of Catholic University Students – held in Europe. A third of the overall attendance were young adults from Ireland. Bishop Tom Deenihan of Meath and Bishop Alan McGuckian of Down and Connor were also present, and…
Fusion of Gaeilge and faith would ‘enkindle love for the Irish language’
Modern languages could take over the Irish language in schools’ curriculum, the Irish population have learnt recently. Officials have also contacted dozens of secondary schools over high numbers of students exempt from Irish. On top of this The European Commission has stated that among those age 18-24 who know a foreign language, Irish people are…