The president of the Irish Catholic Doctors Learning Network (ICDLN) has said that he’s “very grateful to the Irish episcopal council for their permission” to rebrand as the Catholic Medical Association (CMA). Dr Keith Holmes of the CMA said the move was “big for us” and that it lends “us a greater sense of legitimacy”.…
Category: Irish News
Frank Duff’s indirect influence on Vatican II hailed by biographer
The Legion of Mary founder believed the documents that came from Vatican II were “an endorsement of what the Legion stood for”, Frank Duff’s biographer said. Historian Dr Finola Kennedy told The Irish Catholic that, while he didn’t “get up and speak” at the council, it is possible he had an “indirect influence”. “At the…
Principals facing ‘unacceptable’ stress levels, Catholic schools agency warns
Delays in responses from the HSE’s schools Covid-19 helpline have added to stress levels in an “extra-challenging” start to the school year. “The HSE’s response times need to improve, it’s causing unacceptable stress-levels for principals,” warned Seamus Mulconry, General Secretary for the Catholic Primary Schools Management Association (CPSMA). “Though it’s only September, principals have told…
DFA shows ‘no understanding’ of religious violence in Nigeria, says TD Carol Nolan
The Department of Foreign Affairs response to the independent TD’s question about violence against Christians “reframes the issue out of all recognition”. Ms Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs September 9 what Ireland is doing to address violence against Christians in Nigeria, “where 3,462 Christians have been hacked to death since January 1,…
Lessons to be learned from Hungary – Senator Mullen
There’s a “real need for clear thinking” when it comes to Hungary, in order to “avoid the propaganda element that comes into play whenever Orban is discussed,” Senator Rónán Mullen said following the Pope’s meeting with controversial Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán. Speaking to The Irish Catholic newspaper, Senator Mullen said that there are aspects…
PIH’s first conference seeks to set up young singles
Catholic youth group Pure in Heart is seeking to give young, single Catholics a place to meet “in a very safe and very friendly environment” with its first-ever conference, according to General Manager Helen Vysotska. The ‘Pursuit of Love’ conference, to take place October 1-3, 2021, is set to offer both theoretical and practical experience,…
Crosscare services stretched to capacity, says Archbishop Farrell
The Archbishop of Dublin appealed to people to help ensure the social support agency can maintain all services in the coming months. Archbishop Dermot Farrell said Crosscare’s services are needed “now more than ever”, as the diocese held its annual collection for the agency last weekend. “As families face greater uncertainty and insecurity intensified by…
Pope welcomes ‘wise’ President Higgins to Vatican
Pope Francis thanked God “that Ireland has such a wise man as its Head [of State]”, during the latest encounter between the Pontiff and the president. President Higgins met the Pontiff before meeting Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, who was accompanied by Vatican Foreign Minister Archbishop Paul Gallagher. A Vatican statement disclosed that…
Pope Francis and President Higgins talk peace process in the North
Strengthening the peace process in the North was among the topics discussed when Pope Francis received President Michael D. Higgins today (Friday) at the Vatican. President Higgins met the Pontiff before meeting Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, who was accompanied by Vatican Foreign Minister Archbishop Paul Gallagher. A Vatican statement said that during…
Reject ‘fashionable’ urge to knock the Church, pleads former minister
Former Justice Minister Charlie Flanagan has urged fellow politicians to resist the temptation to demonise the huge contribution of Catholic education simply because it has become fashionable to criticise the Church. Mr Flanagan said that citizens owed priests and religious a huge debt of gratitude for their tireless commitment, especially when the State lacked the…