Hopes that new Jesuit Centre can be a hub of welcome and faith formation, Ruadhán Jones hears While most of the news about religious orders in Ireland of late has been about closure and retrenchment, the Jesuit’s in Belfast have launched a new venture with high hopes. The Jesuit Centre, which opened officially on Saturday,…
Ancient Biblical manuscripts on display in Dublin
The oldest surviving codex containing the four canonical Gospels is open for all to see, Ruadhán Jones hears Given that Christianity is two millennia old, it is not surprising that documents from close to the time of its inception are hard to come by. How fortunate we are, then, to have ancient Biblical manuscripts dating…
Cork’s youngest priest is excited to begin
Personal Profile Fr Ronan Sheehan (28) went straight from finishing his Leaving Certificate into seminary. While some people said he was too young to start, he has no regrets and is “excited” to begin his ministry as curate to the Cork family of parishes Ballincollig, Ovens and Ballinora. His decision to join the priesthood didn’t…
In Short
New Catholic school for Belfast The North’s Education Minister Michelle McIlveen has officially opened the new £8.3 millionSaint Patrick’s Primary School in Belfast. The new school, which has 21 classrooms, was formed following the amalgamation of Edmund Rice Christian Brothers and Star of the Sea primary schools. Speaking at the opening ceremony the Minister said:…
Trócaire pleads for world to act on Horn of Africa famine
One person dying every 36 seconds Wealthy countries like Ireland must not wait for famine to be declared to act on the food crisis in the Horn of Africa, the Church in Ireland’s aid agency has said. Trócaire’s call comes amid a warning that drought-ravaged countries in the region face a “devastating” human disaster. The…
Irish anti-apartheid missionary receives presidential award
Fr Richard ‘Dick’ O’Riordan, who worked to tackle the brutality of apartheid in South Africa, is to receive the 2022 Presidential Distinguished Service Award. He was among the 11 award recipients announced by Minister Simon Coveney to acknowledge their contribution as “high-achieving” members of the Irish diaspora. “Their service and commitment is a shining example…
Need to ensure equity in priest salaries – Bishop Nash
As parishes in the diocese of Ferns are to be served by teams of priests in the future, Bishop Ger Nash is mulling changes to how priests will be paid. Bishop Nash also proposed transitioning from priest to lay chairs on primary school boards in a statement following a diocesan gathering earlier this month. As…
Concern gets support from Kerry for Kenyan farmers
Irish charity Concern Worldwide have teamed up with nutrition company Kerry Group to support 46,000 Kenyan farmers by providing access to climate-smart agricultural practices. The four-year deal will help farmers to combat the “devastating impact” climate change is having on the Tana River region, Concern said in a statement. Many of the Tana River farmers…
Appreciation of religion replaced by ideology – Dep Nolan
States use financial muscle to dictate terms with Faith-based NGOs, Ruadhán Jones hears Appreciation for the contribution religious and faith-inspired providers make to social and health services has been replaced by ideology, TD Carol Nolan has said. The Independent TD criticised the “bullish” desire in Ireland to dispense faith-inspired service providers to give the State…
Athlone Franciscan friary closes after end of 800-year-era
The Irish Franciscans announced on Tuesday that they’re withdrawing from Athlone in response to ageing and reduced membership. The friars and staff will be leaving Athlone on January 6, 2023, with a final Mass of thanksgiving to be celebrated in Athlone friary church on Sunday, January 8. Minister Provincial Fr Aidan McGrath OFM said that the…