Tributes have poured in for the “humble” and “powerful” Bro. Kevin Crowley OFM Cap. who will retire after decades of feeding the poor. Bro. Kevin told The Irish Catholic he will miss working with the homeless “who I love so much”. The 87-year-old hopes to hand over the reins of the Capuchin Day Centre in…
Category: News
Lack of investment in schools leading to triple threat this winter
A lack of investment in primary schools is seeing teacher shortages and hikes in energy prices becoming increasingly problematic before the next academic year according to a representative of a Catholic schools’ body. Oversized classes “Unacceptably high” levels of oversized classes continue to plague Irish primary schools as well, despite improvements in recent years, according…
Ciara Mageean pride of Portaferry after silver triumph
Runner Ciara Mageean secured herself a silver medal after a speedy 1500m battle at the Commonwealth Games on Sunday. Ms Mageean, 30, from Portaferry, Co. Down clocked a time of 4:04.14 at the Alexander Stadium in Birmingham. She was second only to Scottish favourite Laura Muir, who scooped gold with a time of 4:02.75. Speaking…
Pope’s message on meat divides opinion – poll
The Pope’s message calling for young people to eat less meat has proved divisive according to a social media poll taken by more than 350 people. The poll, conducted by The Irish Catholic, asked “Pope Francis has urged young people to eat less meat as a way to help save the environment. Do you agree?”…
Irish priest to advise Russell Crowe on his role in exorcist film
An Irish priest is being consulted on a new film about famous Italian exorcist Fr Gabriel Amorth to ensure the depiction is accurate, The Irish Catholic understands. Part of the The Pope’s Exorcist is set in Ireland. The psychological thriller stars Russell Crowe as Fr Amorth, who it is estimated performed about 100,000 exorcisms. The…
Olivia Newton-John revealed pact with God in final interview before death
Pop music and Grease star Olivia Newton-John made a pact with God to save her daughter Chloe’s life while she was pregnant, she said in a final interview before she died. Ms Newton-John, who died peacefully aged 73 on Monday, revealed in an interview with A Life of Greatness that she was “close to losing”…
Teacher competence not ethos biggest barrier to RSE, says NCCA
The biggest barriers to effective Relationship and Sexual Education (RSE) are teacher confidence and competence, not ethos, the NCCA have said. Dr Patrick Sullivan said the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment found “school ethos is not in fact the barrier that it is often perceived to be”, following a review on the delivery of…
Cork and Ross ‘families of parishes’ announced
Staff reporter The new structure for the diocese of Cork and Ross, with priests appointed to ‘families of parishes’, have been announced. The diocese will have 16 families of parishes each ministered by a team of priests. In the first phase, which will take place September 10, 12 families of parishes will be established, Bishop…
Nicaraguan bishop detained by police
A Nicaraguan human rights organisation released a video August 4 showing police in riot gear outside the diocesan offices of one the country’s bishops, preventing him from leaving to celebrate Mass at the cathedral. Because the incident took place on a Thursday and Catholics were likely expecting him to show up for exposition and adoration…
Queen’s University Belfast ready to welcome FOCUS missionaries
Focus missionaries are set to aid the Catholic Chaplaincy at Queen’s University Belfast in its outreach efforts in the coming academic year. Speaking to The Irish Catholic newspaper, Director of Campus Ministry Shannon Campbell said that Focus will help to develop the chaplaincy’s “outward vision”, which will stop it from becoming a “little holy huddle”.…