Family Solidarity criticises ‘disappointing’ synodal pathway The Irish national synodal synthesis “does not represent us and it does not represent what we have heard at the meetings in our parishes”, Irish family advocacy group Family Solidarity has written in an open letter to Ireland’s bishops. “After a year, we must admit that both the process…
A plea by Pope Francis for a Christmas clemency for prisoners has been hailed as “powerful and courageous” by an Irish nun who has dedicated her life to supporting prisoners and their families. In a letter to governments around the world – including Ireland – the Pontiff this week asked for a gesture of mercy…
Catholic schools have dominated a poll of top performing schools in the North, taking the top three spots and five out of the top 10. St Mary’s Grammar School, Magherafelt, Co. Derry, took top spot for the second year running in the 30th edition of The Sunday Times ‘Parent Power’ poll, which identifies the highest-achieving…
We will always need “good and holy priests”, the head of the bishops’ council for vocations has said, adding that the lay ministry is not a solution to the vocations crisis. The national synodal synthesis came across as proposing the lay ministry as the “solution to the whole question” of priest shortages, said Bishop Alphonsus…
Speaking at a press conference just before England’s exit from the world cup at France’s hands, 23-year-old footballer Bukayo Saka spoke of the importance of keeping your eyes fixed on God. “I read my Bible every night, I’ve been continuing to do that out here. For me, it is really important to have the presence of…
The decision by the UK Supreme Court to uphold the banning and criminalising of pro-life activities around abortion facilities has been condemned as a “travesty of justice” and as an attempt to silence the voice of the unborn by pro-life voices in Northern Ireland. The court was asked to review the validity of Northern Ireland’s…
Loretta Brennan Glucksman, whose philanthropic efforts on behalf of charities and educational institutions has spanned three decades, received the 2022 Spirit of Francis Award from Catholic Extension in New York. The native New Yorker was honoured for work in education, the arts, health care and peace initiatives in the United States and Ireland. In presenting…
Staff Reporter The works of a Ukrainian iconographer depicting images of “Christ under the fire of rockets” have gone on display in a Dublin church. Artist Ulyana Krekhovet’s iconographical works reflect on the staggering scenes she saw in Lviv as the war in Ukraine broke out. “It was important for me to show ichnographically everything…
One in 23 will need humanitarian assistance in 2023 One person in every 23, a total of 339 million people globally, will require some form of assistance in 2023, Irish charity Concern Worldwide have warned. The last year has been “devastating” for vulnerable and poorer communities around the world, with a 24% increase in the…
As parishes struggle to re-engage communities after the forced closure of churches during Covid-19 lockdowns, Bishop Tom Deenihan has said Christmas is a time to invite people who may have stopped coming back to the weekly worship. His comments come as Church leaders are increasingly concerned with a drop of as much as 50% in…
Ruadhán Jones
Chai Brady