Lough Derg has received a permanent relic of Blessed Carlo Acutis, the soon-to-be canonised Italian teen known as the “influencer of God.” The relic—a lock of his hair—now rests in St Mary’s Chapel on the island, following a request by Bishop Larry Duffy to the Diocese of Assisi. Carlo Acutis, who died in 2006 and…
Category: Irish News
Ireland is losing its Faith and language – George Hook
The veteran broadcaster George Hook has said the current approach to religious education is so general it risks undermining the country’s religious heritage, adding that it is a “great pity”. “What upsets me greatly is they don’t teach Catholicism in schools anymore. They teach religion. My grandchildren know as much about Islam as they do…
Be Easter people ‘especially in times of troubles’, Ukrainian priest
The pews of Donnycarney Church, Co. Dublin, were full as the Ukrainian community celebrated Palm Sunday. Speaking to The Irish Catholic, Fr Vasyl Kornitsky explained that “the Mass was attended by hundreds of people. And the big church in Donnycarney was full. I was very happy to see so many children in the church last…
Easter witnesses a resurrected Church, new studies show
The UK and France have reported a remarkable increase in young adults interested in attending Church. Recent surveys from France and the UK have revealed a growth in young people’s interest in the Catholic faith. A recent study by YouGov on behalf of the Bible Society reveals a change in the spiritual landscape of young…
Irish faith to go from ‘convention to conviction’ in upcoming Evangelium conference
The 11th edition of the Evangelium conference will be held in Maynooth in April 26 with the aim to bring together “excellent speakers from outside and inside of the Catholic Irish Church.” “It is very Catholic, ethical and educational… It’s about helping people to understand and learn about the Catholic faith,” explained Evangelium’s Public Relations…
New film ‘Sins of Ireland’ calls Ireland to confession
A new documentary, Sins of Ireland, premiering on Good Friday, April 18, explores the complex legacy of the Catholic Church in Ireland through the lens of confession, an idea which came to filmmaker Alex Fegan at his son’s first confession. It follows fifteen priests as they go about their lives, reflecting on a sacrament that…
‘Massive celebrations’ in Rory McIlroy’s parish after historic win
The parish priest in Rory McIlroy’s hometown of Holywood in Co. Down has hailed the golfer following his historic victory in the US Masters, describing him as “a really great kid and very caring in every respect”. Fr Stephen McBrearty told The Irish Catholic he mentioned McIlroy at every Mass over the weekend before he…
Statue of Irish saint sold for ten times estimate
A rare statue of the Irish saint of gardening and gardeners was sold for ten times the estimate at auction on April 9 in the UK. The value of the 15th Century medieval elm carved figure of St Fiacre was firstly estimated at £1,000-£1,500 but sold for the total of £15,750. The 83cm tall statue…
Vocation presented as a possibility to students during career night
The Vocations Team in Ferns Diocese provided information on this lifepath to students during a ‘careers night’ in St Peter’s College Secondary School, Wexford on March 12. Fr Billy Swan, Vocations Director and Breda Murphy from the parish of Kilrush, a member of the Ferns Diocesan Lay Vocations Council represented the diocese in the event.…
‘A fair and transparent divestment process could allow for unapologetically Catholic schools’ – Bishop
Bishop Denis Nulty in a recent address to the Catholic Primary School Managers Association (CPSMA) said that while Catholic schools are inclusive and welcome all “we must also ensure they remain Catholic.” Asking how might we support our schools remaining Catholic in the fullest sense he said: “It may mean, being part of a fair…