Changes to the award-winning Burren Programme have been poorly received, and criticised as a “step backwards” and “unfeasible” by Columban and ecologist Fr Sean McDonagh. Around 330 farmers currently participate in the Burren Programme, which is a local agri-environmental climate measure started in 2016, and is to be replaced by the new Agri Climate Rural…

The Irish Government’s indifference on Christian persecution as it rises worldwide is “utterly shameful”, Aid to the Church in Need Ireland have said. Ireland has “totally ignored” the plight of “the most persecuted people on the planet, Christians”, ACN Ireland director Michael Kinsella told The Irish Catholic. Mr Kinsella called the Government’s lack of action,…

Staff Reporter Many non-practicing Catholics in the North continue to identify themselves by their religion because of its “political significance”, MPs at Westminster were told. Open Learning tutor at Queen’s University Belfast (QUB) Dr Kevin McNicholl told MPs that it seems when “Catholics stop their religious observance they would still call themselves ‘Catholic’; it’s more of…

Pope Francis offered his “prayerful closeness” to the Legionaries gathered in the Pro-Cathedral, Dublin, for closing Mass of the Legion of Mary’s centenary year. In a letter to Mary Murphy, the Legion’s president, the Pope gave thanks to God “for the graces received by countless people in many parts of the world through the witness…

A pro-life group has called on voters to urge their TDs to retain the 3-day waiting period before women can undergo an abortion. The Life Institute said the waiting period gives women a period of reflection before the procedure, adding that it has proven to reduce the number of abortions taking place in Ireland. More…

Up to 95% of unborn children diagnosed with Down Syndrome at the Rotunda Maternity Hospital are being aborted abroad, Master of the Rotunda hospital Professor Fergal Malone has said. Speaking to the Independent, Prof. Malone said that the “vast majority” of patients who receive a prenatal diagnosis of Down Syndrome at his hospital decide to…

Staff Reporter Fear is the greatest threat to peace in our world and religions have a key role to play in combatting it, an interfaith conference was told in Galway on Sunday. The 14th National Interfaith Conference was hosted by the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, and Jesuit education specialist Fr Jacob Sunny SJ told those assembled…

The heads of the Irish Defence Forces and British Army chaplaincies have said Fr Willie Doyle SJ, whose cause for sainthood was opened on Sunday, is a role model for modern army chaplains. Fr Doyle was killed in World War I while helping soldiers. He was known for assisting anyone who needed him regardless of…

The “landmark” agreement to establish a ‘Loss and Damage’ fund for developing nations was a bright spot at the “underwhelming” COP27 gathering, Trócaire have said. The Loss and Damage fund will provide “vital” financial support to the millions affected by climate change in developing countries, the Irish bishops’ conference overseas aid agency said. The agreement…

Relatives of army chaplain Fr Willie Doyle SJ have described their joy after his cause for sainthood was officially opened in Co. Westmeath over the weekend. Fr Doyle died in 1917 at the Battle of Passchendaele during World War I. The courageous priest is known for ministering to all who needed him, despite their creed…