As global leaders gather in Belém, Brazil for the UN Climate Change Conference (COP30), Catholic representatives also spread the message of Pope Leo to the masses. Dr Lorna Gold, Executive Director of Laudato Si’ Movement (LSM), is participating in the event and told The Irish Catholic they are bringing the “Holy Water that was the…
SVP celebrates its Northern volunteers at feast Mass
St Vincent de Paul (SVP) members gathered for Mass to mark the Feast of St Vincent de Paul in Holy Trinity Church, Cookstown, Co. Tyrone. At Mass, tributes were paid for the organisation’s volunteers and their work providing support to individuals and families throughout the North was highlighted. Fr Brian McNally CC Holy Trinity Church…
The Congregation of Jesus and Loreto Sisters merge into one
The Institute of the Blessed Virgin Mary (IBVM), known as the Loreto Sisters, and the Congregation of Jesus (CJ) merged into one congregation during Mass in Loyola, Spain on November 4. The two congregations, which are present in over 40 countries, share the same foundress, Venerable Mary Ward. The merger brought together around 1,880 sisters…
Australian Loreto principals celebrate 150 years of foundation with pilgrimage to Ireland
Last week, the two branches of Venerable Mary Ward’s work were merged into one. On November 4, the Congregation of Jesus (CJ) and the Institute of the Blessed Virgin Mary (IBVM), known as the Loreto Sisters, have merged into one congregation during Mass in Loyola, Spain. The merger brought together around 1,880 sisters worldwide under…
Killala bereavement course takes place this month
A bereavement course is being held this month in Ballina, Co. Mayo to provide understanding and support for those facing loss. The programme, organised by Killala Diocese is hosted by Monica Morley, Director of the Knock Shrine Family Centre and takes place every Tuesday from November 4-25 at The Newman Institute. “I think in Ireland…
Order of Malta launches their 2025 Christmas Appeal
The Order of Malta launched their 2025 Christmas Appeal campaign at Government Buildings. The appeal, in support of the Holy Family Hospital of Bethlehem, was officially launched by An Taoiseach, Micheál Martin on October 31. “The Holy Family Hospital stands as a living symbol of hope and peace,” John Wright, Hospitaller of the Order of…
Kerry Diocese calls for new Pastoral Leaders
The Diocese of Kerry developed a new role in pastoral leadership in response to the synodal call that each baptised person should play a part in their local communities. The diocese said the new role was created as there is a growing concern about the future of the parishes with the dropping number of available…
‘Come forward and discern a catechist vocation’ urges bishop
Passing on the faith is not just the role of priests or bishops”, Bishop of Ossory Niall Coll said in a recent pastoral letter. Catechists are people who help others to grow in their faith, the bishop said, and he urged “the people of Ossory” to come forward and begin a time of discernment and…
A cup of tea and hard work – the legacy of Catherine McAuley
We can never say it’s enough,” stated Bl. Catherine McAuley on page two of her Familiar Instructions. For the past nearly two centuries, the Mercy Order has been responding to the needs of the vulnerable, the sick and the poor. Everything started with the leadership of a determined woman. On a visit to the Mercy…
Loreto schools celebrate milestones
Loreto schools marked historical milestones last week with celebrations in Ireland. Loreto Secondary School Bray commemorated 175 years with Mass and a tea gathering on October 2. On the same day, Loreto High School Beaufort, Rathfarnham celebrated its first centenary with current and past pupils. This year also marks the 150th anniversary of the first…

Renata Steffens








