Peter Seewald’s extensive biography gives invaluable insight into Benedict XVI’s life, writes Ruadhán Jones “His resignation, and not just his resignation, showed anyone saying that this pope was ‘conservative’ how nonsensical that reductionist label was,” writes Peter Seewald in the second volume of his monumental biography of Pope-emeritus Benedict XVI. Although this comment comes in…
The Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem, Lieutenancy of Ireland hosted a black tie gala dinner for Knights, Dames and friends of the order, April 2. The dinner marked the Spring Mass celebrations that took place in Derry City and the Lieutenancy said they were honoured to have as their invited guest the…
Personal Profile Sr Agnes of the Franciscan Sisters of the Renewal in Drogheda faced many battles before finding her vocation. However, when she came to have a personal relationship with Jesus, she found he had the joy that would fill her heart. Born in Florida, Sr Agnes says that she grew up in a Catholic…
The Church leaders’ group of Ireland said in their Easter message that the world is “overshadowed” with the darkness of war in Ukraine this Holy Week, and called on people to do all they can to help.
Having initially defended a tweet that was widely criticised as making fun of Jesus’ name, the DAA have backed down and removed it following massive backlash. While thousands of passengers raged at delays in security queues that caused some to miss their flights, Dublin Airport’s Twitter page responded March 29 to a follower who tweeted…
Bishop of Raphoe Alan McGuckian SJ launched an “ambitious” pastoral plan March 31, which he said will encourage a more synodal diocesan structure, with greater emphasis on well-formed parish pastoral councils. The pastoral plan for 2022-2024, Forward Together/ Ar Aghaidh le Chéile, recommends the formation of a diocesan pastoral council, as well as new professional…
The Augustinian order have made the “painful” decision to withdraw friars from Rivermount Parish in Finglas and Meath Street parish in the Liberties. The decision came following the order’s chapter last week, as it seeks to downsize due to a decline in the number of friars. Prior provincial Fr Tony Egan OSA told this paper…
The iconic Collegiate Chapel of St Finbarr – better known as the Honan Chapel at University College Cork – reopened in March, after a €1.2 million refurbishment. Bishop of Cork and Ross Fintan Gavin celebrated Mass to mark a new chapter in the chapel’s 106-year-old story. The occasion was also marked with a dinner in…
Personal Profile Recently appointed pastoral manager in Raphoe diocese Connor Duncan grew up in a Catholic family. While he left the Faith “in a big way” for a time, the embers never fully died. Now, he hopes to enkindle the flame of faith in people today. Born in Ballymena, Co. Antrim, Connor grew up in…
At the 15th annual John Paul II awards ceremony in Derry, Fr Peter McVerry commended the recipients of the awards for reaching out to their parishes and communities. In reaching out, Fr McVerry said, “they were meeting Jesus in those they encountered”. Fr McVerry was the guest speaker at the ceremony, and along with Bishop…