The formation of future priests in Ireland is expanding far beyond traditional theological study, a meeting at St Patrick’s College, Maynooth, has heard. At a recent gathering of formators and Church partners, Rev. Sean Corkery, Coordinator of Human and Pastoral Formation at the National Seminary, outlined how seminarians are now trained in a wide range…
Category: Irish News
Holy Week vigil retreat draws young adults to Whitefriar Street Church
The Church of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Whitefriar Street, held a Holy Week Vigil Retreat on March 28 for young adults in the Dublin City area to prepare for the Easter season. The gathering was led by the Carmelite Friars and was aimed at young adults, providing space for spiritual preparation during Holy Week…
Easter season inspires ‘oneness’, says Capuchin Day Centre director
In the words of Fr Kevin Kiernan OFM Cap, Director of the Capuchin Day Centre in Dublin, a message central to Easter is that “the bad days don’t define us”. “[That’s] only part of it, and it moves us on to the Resurrection and to the newness of life,” the Capuchin priest said. He shared…
Pope endorses Eucharistic adoration and Latin Mass
Just days after a leading member of the Association of Catholic Priests (ACP) dismissed the ancient practice of prayer before the Blessed Sacrament as “of the past”, Pope Leo has urged young people to make time for Eucharistic adoration as part of the path to living a fulfilled life. Writing in his message for Vocations…
Pilgrim Paths Week gathers pace on Ireland’s ancient pilgrim routes
Pilgrim paths across Ireland are set to come alive this Easter as part of Pilgrim Paths Week 2026, a nationwide series of guided walks celebrating the country’s ancient routes and drawing people into a shared experience of reflection, community and renewal. From the slopes of Kerry to the lakeshore of Donegal, the week (April 3–12)…
Passion Plays in Derry offer two perspectives
Two Derry primary schools invited families, friends, and parishioners to enjoy their interpretations of the Passion during the Easter season. At St Mary’s Primary School in Draperstown, the Passion Play has become “a cherished tradition.” Principal Corinne Coyle praised the “extraordinary effort” of the pupils, specifically the P4 class, who “rose to the challenge” of…
Church community issues call to end violence against women
A call to end violence against women has been issued in Newry Cathedral Parish this week, following the death of a 28-year-old. There is growing alarm at the number of women killed in recent years, with approximately 30 deaths recorded in Northern Ireland since 2020. The church community is lending its voice to highlight the urgent…
Dawn Masses bring Easter morning to life across Ireland
Dawn Masses are set to take place across the country this Easter Sunday, offering early risers a chance to mark the Resurrection. Fr Paul Prior, PP of Mullagh & Cross, Co. Cavan, said the celebration, now in its second year locally, has already struck a chord with parishioners. “As the liturgy progresses, the sun rises…
Pope taps vocal opponent of female ordination for top Vatican job
Pope Leo has appointed a prelate who accused westerners of being “obsessed” with female ordination to lead a key Vatican office charged with interpreting Church law. The Vatican announced on March 25 that Pope Leo has called Australian bishop Anthony Randazzo to Rome to become prefect of the Dicastery for Legislative Text, at the same…
Bishop Doran responds to women deacons debate
Exclusive The Bishop of Achonry and of Elphin, Kevin Doran has responded to the recent discussion on women deacons in The Irish Catholic. In his statement, Bishop Doran says the question of women deacons should not deflect from what is possible for lay women and men in the ministry and leadership in the Church…











