The Order of Cistercians of the Strict Observance (O.C.S.O.) also known as ‘Trappists’, on a historic move, has found a new community merging three established ones. The three communities are Mount Melleray Abbey from the Diocese of Waterford and Lismore, Mount St Joseph Abbey, Roscrea from the Diocese of Killaloe and Mellifont Abbey from the…

Speaking ahead of the ‘Come and See’ retreat this weekend in St Patrick’s College Maynooth, an event organised for men exploring a vocation and reflecting “more deeply on a call” to diocesan priesthood, the National Diocesan Vocations Coordinator for the Irish Episcopal Conference said that the rise in the number of enquiries discerning a vocation…

The community of Kingscourt Parish, Co. Cavan celebrated on November 7 the launch of a new edition of Pass it On, a book of prayers, inspirational poems, quotes and motivational words of encouragement to be ‘passed on’ from one generation to the next. The first edition was published in 2012 as an initiative of the…

Politicians have reported that the main issues emerging at the doors of houses across the country as they canvass their way around country lanes and sprawling estates primarily concern the “incredible” cost of living and the lack of housing, issues that are contributing to an “overwhelming sense that the Government has lost control of everything”.…

A very sad story emerged this past week about an Oxford student who killed himself: a story which revealed much about our times and values. Alexander Rogers was 20 years old and a third-year student at Corpus Christi college, studying science, and predicted to get a First.  He was described at an inquest as “kind,…

The Holy Door of St Peter’s Basilica will be opening in less than 40 days, marking the beginning of the Jubilee Year, an event that takes place every 25 years. “The Jubilee Year 2025 offers us many opportunities. I think its central message of hope is important for our world,” explained Bishop Fintan Gavin of…

The Newman Centre of Faith and Reason, based in Dublin, is hosting their Annual Newman Lecture. In this occasion, they are welcoming Fr Ron Rolheiser, who will be speaking on ‘not our tribal deity’. In a recent conversation with The Irish Catholic, the author shared that he will be reflecting on “how we must free…

Bishops from six dioceses across Ireland are currently on a trip to Ethiopia with Trócaire, the agency of the Catholic Church. Trócaire says this visit has the primary aim to bear witness to the vital work that has been done in that country in the name of the Irish Church. The visit will last one…

The First Minister and deputy First Minister of Northern Ireland confirmed last Tuesday that a contribution has been received from the Diocese of Down and Connor towards the Historical Institutional Abuse (HIA) Redress Scheme. This payment, which follows a contribution from the De La Salle Order in September, relates specifically to homes managed jointly with…

Global leaders have gathered in Baku, Azerbaijan for the UN Climate Change Conference (COP29) since November 11, the event will continue until November 22. Ahead of the conference, Bishop of Kilmore and Laudato Si’ coordinator of the Bishops’ Conference Martin Hayes urged Irish negotiators in Baku “to be, on our behalf, generous of spirit in recognising the…