The Central Statistics Office (CSO) has released its data for marriages 2022, and it makes for very interesting reading for those interested in the faith landscape of modern Ireland. There were 22,555 opposite-sex marriages in total in Ireland in 2022, with 19,672 of these being first-time marriages in the State. The CSO’s official webpage for…
Staff at the country’s largest Catholic university Mary Immaculate College in Limerick say they feel “very much in the dark” over a dialogue that could see the institution further aligned with the secular University of Limerick (UL). Fears have been expressed in the past that any move on the future of the college could dilute…
Crisis pregnancy organisation Gianna Care has welcomed the Government’s “baby bundle” pilot scheme, but added that they could be doing “a lot more” to support women facing crisis pregnancies. The “baby bundle” pilot scheme includes toys to encourage early communication and a range of items to support new parents after the birth of their child.…
A Catholic schools’ body has promised “substantial” resources for sexual education in secondary schools, as the Minister for Education has signed off on the specifications for a controversial new curriculum. Parents have expressed concerns over the new relationship and sexual education (RSE) curriculum over fears that it will promote teachings around sexuality and gender identity…
The protest that has broken out in Inch, Co. Clare over the housing of at least 30 asylum seekers in a former hotel and restaurant is the result of “missing” consultation with residents, a local priest has said. Monday evening saw 34 asylum seekers arrive by bus at Magowna House, after which 50 local people…
Columnist with The Irish Catholic David Quinn says he is relieved that a Limerick woman who seriously defamed him on social media has apologised and the case is now concluded. The issue arose last May during the controversy over the Religious Sisters of Charity and the proposed relocation of the National Maternity Hospital. Karen Sugrue,…
A year to the week since their statue of Our Lady was shattered in a “mindless act of vandalism,” Springfield parish in Tallaght, Co. Dublin has seen the same statue of Mary decapitated this week. Speaking to The Irish Catholic newspaper, Fr Bill O’Shaughnessy said that it’s “just extraordinary” that it’s “been a year to…
Irish music legend Dana Rosemary Scallan – who has just recorded a new song for St Patrick – has opened up about her own lack of faith as a teenager, before she found God. Ireland’s first Eurovision winner and co-creator of the hymn, Our Lady of Knock admitted in podcast Off Grid Christianity she did…
A copy of The Irish Catholic was among the gifts laid on the coffin of Teresa McCallan, described as a devoted reader by one of her daughters. “The same paper had to be got every week and now I’ve carried on the tradition,” Margaret Moxon, daughter of Mrs McCallan, told The Irish Catholic. “I’d only…
Aontú leader Peadar Tóibín has criticised as “reckless” Government inaction when it comes to protecting children from often-violent pornography. This comes following the publication of a study earlier this week showing the link between children watching pornography and sexual violence. Speaking on the issue, the Meath West TD said that pornography is “distorting children’s understanding…
Ruadhán Jones