More than 100 young people attended a Marian conference in All Hallows, Dublin, to hear talks from poets, priests and theologians on the theme ‘Under Mary’s Mantle’. The conference, organised by the Legion of Mary, took place August 19-20, with guest speakers including poet and convert Sally Read, Bishop Alphonsus Cullinan, Dr William A Thomas,…
Category: Irish News
Knock reports marked increase in pilgrims as bumper novena closes
Ireland’s national Eucharistic and Marian Shrine has reported an increase in pilgrims and visitors this summer, after a sluggish post-pandemic restart last year and two years when on-off Covid-19 restrictions devastated numbers. Tens of thousands of pilgrims flocked to Knock in Co. Mayo over the past two weeks for the traditional novena, with rector Fr…
‘Messenger for God’ Donal Walsh inspiring young people’s faith
The example of “messenger for God” Donal Walsh, the teen whose faith and poise as he battled cancer captivated Ireland, is inspiring interest in the Faith among young people today, his mother has said. Young people are seeking “guidance for their faith and spirituality and see an example in Donal that they can relate to”,…
‘Foolhardy’ to deny the existence of sectarianism in PSNI – superintendent
It would be “foolhardy” to deny that there are “aspects of sectarianism” in the PSNI, the chairman of the North’s Catholic Police Guild (CPG) has warned. Speaking to The Irish Catholic Supt Gerry Murray said no Catholic police officer should have to deal with sectarian comments. This comes after a recent article detailed sectarian slurs…
Irish missionary priest in Pakistan decries ‘frenzied’ Christian assault
Following mob violence in east Pakistan that saw thousands of Muslims burn and vandalise churches and Christian homes, Pakistan-based missionary, Fr Liam O’Callaghan SSC described the scenes as “appalling” and “disturbing”. More than 100 people have since been arrested in the city of Jaranwala, where violence was sparked August 18 by claims that two Christian…
New data shows number of abortions could rise to 10,000 by end of year
The number of abortions taking place in Ireland are “out of control”, the Life Institute has said, after new figures suggest as many as 10,000 terminations could be carried out in 2023. New data covering the first six months of the year indicate more than 5,000 abortions took place between January and June 2023. Figures…
Youghal turns to prayer following Ironman deaths
Following the deaths of two competitors in an Ironman event in Youghal, Co. Cork, parish priest Fr William Bermingham has said that the whole town is “saddened” and that the community will be praying for both men who died during the event. The men who died have been named as 64-year-old Ivan Chittenden, from Toronto,…
Broadcaster Sean O’Rourke urges young people to consider vocation
Renowned broadcaster Seán O’Rourke has urged young people to “go the extra mile” and consider a vocation to the priesthood. In an address delivered in Knock Basilica on August 16, Mr O’Rourke, paid tribute to priests and religious who inspired him in his life, including his two deceased aunts, Cecilia and Anna, who were sisters…
Church in Ireland celebrates a bumper week for vocations
The Church in Ireland had a bumper week for vocations, with two priests ordained and four men and women making their professions to religious life. Fr Mark Moriarity was first up, ordained a priest for Kerry diocese on Sunday, August 13, by Bishop Ray Browne. He was followed by Fr Mark O’Farrell, ordained a priest…
Bishop McGuckian: Synod must be guided by Church teaching
Speaking to a packed Knock Basilica as part of the annual Knock novena, Bishop of Raphoe Alan McGuckian SJ told the Faithful that the synod will be successful if it remains grounded in Scripture and the Church’s Tradition. Describing the Church as “divided,” Bishop McGuckian said that the Church can rely on the “anchors” of…

Ruadhán Jones

Chai Brady







