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…

News in brief   A new novena prayer to St Francis of Tour has been composed by Fr Roland Colhoun, based in Co. Tyrone. “For the last fortnight, I’ve been praying for a young fellow who is trying to make some important decisions for his future.  In the closing days of October, he asked my…

For the first time, a relic of Carlo Acutis, the soon-to-be saint, will visit a Gaeltacht Parish (Irish language speaking region). “Fáilte roimh chách go dtí an ócáid speisialta seo,” ‘All welcome to this special event’, expressed the host of this unique event, Fr Eoghan Ó Cadhla, Parish Priest. Monsignor Anthony Figueiredo from Assisi will…

Exclusive Named a GAA All-Star last week, Tyrone man Niall Morgan is open and frank about the ups and downs of living a life of Faith. Opening up about the sorrow of miscarriage, the All-Star and primary school principal said that people should “trust in Faith” during difficult times. Tyrone’s All-Ireland winning goalkeeper said that before their first child his wife lost…

The visit of St Bernadette in Ireland has come to an end, with stops in Elphin and Cork and Ross Dioceses. Speaking to The Irish Catholic, Cecelia Healy, who drove the relics to Cork’s cathedral, said it was a “memorable and great experience.” Along with being one of the volunteers to drive the relics, Ms…

Locals in the Co. Louth town of Ardee are fearful that a recently installed grotto, which has become a site of “prayer” and “reflection”, will be subject to removal in the imminent future due to “a number of complaints” that have been lodged with Louth County Council revolving around “religious symbolism in a public space”.…

St Marta Group, a human rights charity, rooted in the Catholic Church, has said that “human trafficking in Northern Ireland has reached alarming levels, according to local charities.” The findings highlight the urgent need for stronger preventative measures and “support systems for victims, including safe housing.” Speaking to The Irish Catholic, Barbara Condon, Ruhama’s CEO,…

A Derry-born nun who died in an earthquake in Ecuador has been hailed as an inspiration for youth following the announcement she will soon be officially put on the path to sainthood. Sr Clare Crockett wanted to become a famous actress in Hollywood and was on the path to doing so until she attended a…

The Church has unveiled ‘Luce’, a new mascot designed to reach younger generations in the upcoming Jubilee 2025. The mascot’s design and purpose have raised different reactions, with some questioning whether such an approach aligns with traditional Church practices. However, many Church leaders view it as part of an evolving mission to adapt to cultural…