Only one-third of Irish dioceses have an exorcist despite the Vatican requiring each diocese to have at least one specially trained priest, researchers have discovered. Out of Ireland’s 26 dioceses there are nine exorcists according to a group of European academics, fewer per diocese than other countries in their study. However, the limited new research,…
Category: Irish News
QUB Catholic chaplaincy partners with L’Arche
The Catholic chaplaincy at Queen’s University Belfast (QUB) has partnered with L’Arche Belfast to provide them with shelter and space for their activities over the winter months. L’Arche Belfast is part of a worldwide organisation which seeks to provide support for those with intellectual disabilities. With the arrival of Covid-19 in Ireland in March and…
NET Missionaries sent forth despite constant ‘battles’
NET Ministries Ireland has finished six weeks of training and has sent their five teams off to their local areas despite a “battle” due to Covid-19, NET Ministries Ireland Director Tony Foy has told The Irish Catholic. Following a day of celebration of their commissioning, Mr Foy said, “The day was great. It was very,…
Hundreds of NI healthcare workers oppose ‘at-home’ abortions
Almost 300 healthcare workers signed an open letter to the Minister of Health rejecting the legalisation of ‘at-home’ abortions in Northern Ireland. The 277 healthcare workers drafted the letter following a campaign by abortion advocates for the provision of over-the-phone abortion services. The letter demands better care for women and children than “unsafe and unacceptable…
‘Tower of strength’ priest who helped Greysteel massacre families dies
A renowned “tower of strength” priest who ministered to people devasted by the 1993 Greysteel Massacre in the North has died. Fr Stephen Kearney (76) was the curate of Faughanvale and Lower Cumber parish in Derry before he died on Friday. He gave strength to the families of the eight people who were killed after…
NI Health Authorities criticised for ‘presuming’ 6500 abortions
Pro-life group Precious Life have criticised health officials for assuming and making plans for up 6,500 abortions per year in Northern Ireland. The figure was found in the notes of a meeting involving officials from Northern Ireland’s Health and Social Care Board held last December. Health officials discussed how many abortions they would need to…
Young people plead for return to Mass
A video circulating on social media has seen the youth of Ireland pleading for a return to Mass and the sacraments. Posted by the “We need Worship” Facebook page, the video has garnered nearly 8,000 views and expresses the view that religious services are among the safest forms of social activity to participate in. “We…
Covid-19 has created poverty in new guises – Bishop Leahy
Bishop of Limerick Brendan Leahy has called for society to heed the “silent cry” of those who have found themselves facing unforeseen challenges as a result of Covid-19. Speaking on World Day of the Poor, Bishop Leahy said that poverty has suddenly appeared in a variety of guises, like loss of life but also for…
Hopes high of return to Mass in early December after meeting with Taoiseach
A group representing Christian ministers across the country say it is hopeful of a return to public worship in early December. Irish Church Together was amongst a wide group of faith representatives who met with Taoiseach Micheál Martin yesterday (Tuesday) to press for a return to communal celebrations when restrictions go to level three. Paddy…
Taoiseach says churches could be open for public Mass in early December
Taoiseach Micheál Martin has said that public worship could return under “modified” level 3 restrictions in early December. In an interview on RTÉ News at One today the Taoiseach said: “We will make decisons towards the end of the month, I did say that we may look at level 3 as to modifications to level…