Climate issues are becoming “centre stage” but talk has to be matched with actions, Columban eco-theologian and author Fr Sean McDonagh has said. Fr McDonagh said while he was delighted by gains made by the Green Party in last week’s elections, he expressed disappointment at the party’s support for abortion. “We are turning vegetarian, [thinking]…
Anti-drugs campaigner warns of the imminent danger and says that hash ‘makes people paranoid’ “Cannabis is the most dangerous drug of all” and should not be legalised, according to Sr Consilio, the founder of Cuan Mhuire, which has treated thousands of substances abusers over the past 52 years. She has seen the effects of…
People must consider the implications of the divorce referendum which seeks to speed up the dissolution of marriage, according to the Catholic bishops. “Marriage is essential and fundamental for the good of society worldwide,” said Bishop Denis Nulty, chair of the Council for Marriage & Family. “The objective of the proposed referendum is not to…
Catholics can’t retreat from the world, Kees de Groot tells Susan Gately The Church should not be focussed on ‘maintenance’ as an organisation, but members should try to fulfil their vocations as human beings in the world, believing the “future is in God’s hands and we are not required to save the Church”, according to…
A homily has the power to inspire and evangelise, writes Susan Gately The Pope recounts that a priest told him once, that on a visit home, his father said gleefully: “You know, I’m happy, because my friends and I have found a church where there is Mass with no sermon!” The anecdote was part…
Organisers could have doubled size of Papal event venues Organisers of the World Meeting of Families have appealed to parishes to return any unused tickets to celebrate Mass with Pope Francis in Dublin’s Phoenix Park. It comes as unprecedented demand for places continues even after all tickets have been allocated. Fr Tim Bartlett Secretary…
Ireland’s last diocesan seminary is to close. From September students at St Malachy’s seminary on Cliftonville Road, Belfast, which serves the diocese of Down and Connor and other northern dioceses, will be relocated to other seminaries to continue their studies for the priesthood. Currently there are three men in the seminary. “The closure of the…
Former Irish International Rugby player, Ronan O’Gara will be one of the speakers at the Pastoral Congress for the World Meeting of Families in August. O’Gara, who is currently working as an assistant coach with the Canterbury Crusaders in New Zealand, will speak on ‘Celebrating Family and Sport’ on Thursday morning, August 23 at 11.30am.…
The referendum planned for the autumn to alter or delete the clause in the Constitution on the role of women in the home, (41.2.2) may be deferred to 2019 and in its place a referendum to reduce divorce waiting times may be brought forward. Leo Varadkar’s government is planning several referenda in the coming years…
Vital symbols of Ireland’s Catholic heritage are in danger of being lost, writes Susan Gately For over 60 years in the late 17th and early 18th Century Catholics in Ireland were severely persecuted under laws which effectively took away their rights to property, education, participation in civic life and most importantly, religion. Officially termed…