A monstrance blessed by Pope John Paul II for the increase of vocations is making its way through Ireland. ‘The Vocations Monstrance’ will visit twelve dioceses over a two-weeks period, from November 18 to 29. St Pope John Paul blessed in total six monstrances for vocations prayer in 2004, one for each continent. The monstrance…
The end of an Era: New monastic community born
The Order of Cistercians of the Strict Observance (O.C.S.O.) also known as ‘Trappists’, on a historic move, has found a new community merging three established ones. The three communities are Mount Melleray Abbey from the Diocese of Waterford and Lismore, Mount St Joseph Abbey, Roscrea from the Diocese of Killaloe and Mellifont Abbey from the…
Passing the faith on in Co. Cavan
The community of Kingscourt Parish, Co. Cavan celebrated on November 7 the launch of a new edition of Pass it On, a book of prayers, inspirational poems, quotes and motivational words of encouragement to be ‘passed on’ from one generation to the next. The first edition was published in 2012 as an initiative of the…
Irish bishops in solidarity visit to Ethiopia
Bishops from six dioceses across Ireland are currently on a trip to Ethiopia with Trócaire, the agency of the Catholic Church. Trócaire says this visit has the primary aim to bear witness to the vital work that has been done in that country in the name of the Irish Church. The visit will last one…
‘Faith and Science need each other’ says astrophysicist priest
“Many theologians are intimidated by scientists and many scientists are disdainful of theologians,” Fr Michael Connolly, astrophysicist and parish priest Oughterard told The Irish Catholic. Fr Connolly believes that discussing the relationship between ‘faith’ and ‘reason’, “or particularly faith in the scientific field” is imperative. The priest gave a talk in September in Oughterard when…
Clogher Diocese’s youth awarded JPII
The Diocese of Clogher’s diocesan JPII Award Ceremony happens this Friday, November 8 in the St Joseph’s Church, Monaghan Town. The award will be handed to the diocese’s youth by Bishop Larry Duffy, and guest speaker Mickey Harte will give a talk afterwards about the importance of faith in the participants’ lives. James McLoughlin, the award…
Derry Children draw God
Schools from the Derry Diocese are getting ready to draw God in an annual fun day of art and faith. The 6th annual World Drawing God Day will take place on November 14, when children from all around the globe use art to express their faith inspired by the book of author Karen Kiefer. Thérèse Ferry,…
Saints go marching among the ghouls
In a time when children walk around dressed as witches and ghouls, it is good to have an alternative celebration. Ireland saw many All Saints parties happening in the past few weeks, giving children an opportunity to have fun and wear costumes, as well as cultivate their faith. Catholic Mothers Ireland organised a party in…
Eco-protection ‘central to Christian identity’ says priest
Representatives of countries and institutions from all around the world are gathered in Colombia for the United Nations Biodiversity Summit, COP16 from October 21 to November 1. One of these organisations is the Columban Missionaries. Talking to The Irish Catholic, Fr Sean McDonagh, Columban priest and ecologist, said “The COP for biodiversity only takes place…
Teacher training and women’s rights: The work of an Irish sister in South Sudan
Gender inequality and women’s rights in South Sudan are still a great issue. According to UNESCO, the literacy rate in South Sudan for women aged 15+ was 28.9% in 2022, compared to 40.3% for men. Many charities and missionaries are working tirelessly to improve women’s rights in that country. Sr Jacinta Prunty, a Holy Faith Sister…

Renata Steffens








