Catholic poet and convert Sally Read will be among the guest speakers at a young adult conference on August 19 and 20, organised by the Legion of Mary. Ms Read is to give a talk on her conversion from a committed atheist to a Catholic in the space of just nine months, sparked by research…

The United States Commission of International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) has noted the trend towards ‘hate speech’ legislation as a cause for concern when it comes to religious freedom in Europe. This comes as Justice Minister Helen McEntee continues to back a bill, The Criminal Justice (Incitement to Violence or Hatred and Hate Offences) Act 2022,…

As the bishops in England, Scotland and Wales got the green light for a new lectionary, the Irish bishops are to continue with their plans to link up with the bishops of Australia and New Zealand. The Bishops’ conference of England and Wales received the go ahead from the Dicastery for Divine Worship to use…

The powers of vicar general for the diocese of Down and Connor have been delegated to Fr John Murray and Fr Eugene O’Hagan, as the diocese awaits the appointment of a new bishop. Apostolic administrator Bishop Donal McKeown conferred the powers of a vicar general to the two priests to assist in the ongoing governance…

Cian Lynch, a devout Catholic who has spoken openly about the importance of his faith, led Limerick to a fourth triumph in a row as they beat Kilkenny on Sunday, July 23. Mr Lynch in his acceptance speech praised John Kiely as a “spiritual guy” and the “spiritual leader” of the team, but he himself…

Barrister Caroline Haughey OBE KC, born in Northern Ireland, has been awarded an honorary doctorate by a Catholic college in recognition of her work tackling human trafficking. Ms Haughey specialises in modern slavery and human trafficking cases and has supported the Bakhita Centre for Research on Slavery, Exploitation and Abuse, based in St Mary’s University…

Archbishop Eamon Martin has announced the latest clergy appointments for Armagh Archdiocese. Among those on the move are Fr Michael Murtagh, PP, Dunleer, who is to be PE, AP, Holy Family, Dundalk; Fr Seán O’Neill, PP, Termonmaguirc, to be PP, Keady and Derrynoose, while Fr John Gates, PP, Magherafelt, will also be be Adm, Newbridge.…

The Charities Regulator’s report shows a rise in the number of religious charities, writes Ruadhán Jones The number of religious charities registered with the Charities Regulator is up by 388, the regulator’s report for 2022 shows. In 2022, there were 1,590 charities whose main goal was the “advancement of religion”, up from 1,202 from 2021.…

Knock basilica was packed out for celebrations for the World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly on Sunday, July 23. Many generations of families, great-grandparents down to little children, from across Ireland and the world were represented at the pilgrimage. Bishop Denis Nulty of the Diocese of Kildare and Leighlin celebrated Mass, while Dana Rosemary…

The Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem – Lieutenancy of  Ireland gained 12 new members at its annual investiture ceremony on Saturday, July 22. The four dames and eight knights were invested by the order’s Grand Prior Cardinal Sean Brady GCHS at St Patrick’s Pontifical University, Maynooth. In attendance were Mr Sami El-Yousef,…