To attract back lapsed Catholics, the Church must embrace the vision of Pope Francis and present the Gospel in a way that is positive and uplifting rather than concentrating on negatives, the country’s newest bishop has said. Bishop of Achonry Paul Dempsey was ordained at the weekend, and at just 49 also becomes Ireland’s youngest…

As Co. Kildare was unexpectedly freed from lockdown on Monday, the Dominicans at St Eustace Priory in Newbridge moved swiftly to open up for public Mass just 90 minutes after the easing. Parishioners commented on social media about how impressed they were with the quick thinking friars. Speaking to The Irish Catholic, Fr John Harris O.P…

The new bishop of Achonry, ordained on Sunday, called on the faithful to “go out to where Christ is calling us”. Bishop Paul Dempsey’s episcopal ordination took place in the Cathedral of The Annunciation and St Nathy, Ballaghaderreen, Co. Roscommon. The principal consecrator was Archbishop Michael Neary of Tuam, assisted by Archbishop Jude Thaddeus Okolo,…

Bishop Donal McKeown has asked Catholics to embrace the Faith as God has revealed it, rather than a more sanitised version offered by the world. In a homily at the weekend, Dr McKeown reminded Massgoers that suffering is part of life. “The Cross is the only road to the Resurrection for Jesus and the only…

Chadwick Boseman, best known for playing the Marvel superhero Black Panther, died late last week after a long struggle with colon cancer. While best known for his role in film, Mr Boseman is also being remembered for his deep devotion to God and his lifelong faith. In a tribute to the actor, Black Panther director Ryan Coogler said:…

Aontú leader Peadar Tóibín TD has welcomed Fine Gael’s ‘baby box’ initiative but says that a cute video on social media does little for struggling families. Deputy Tóibín said: “It’s all well and good for a Fine Gael senator to put up a cute, well-choreographed video of himself talking about the struggles of parenthood, but…

A Traveller family’s claim of discrimination against the former Bishop of Galway regarding how they were treated at a Communion Mass has been dismissed by the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC). The family, including six children, said they were harassed at the ceremony and that the women were excluded from the Mass based on a dress…

The demand for Eucharistic breads has collapsed since the Covid-19 pandemic forced the country into lockdown leading to a precarious financial situation for the nuns who rely on this income. Since March, the country has experienced varying levels of restriction, with Masses being curtailed from late March to late June. While many churches remained open…

Focus Ireland have called for a reintroduction of eviction bans and rent freezes due to recent Covid-19 restrictions as new figures show an increase in homelessness from 8699 in June to 8728 in July. The charity warned of a potential bigger increase in the coming months. Pat Dennigan, Focus Ireland CEO, said: “As children across…

While orders for Eucharistic breads dried up, the nuns of Glencairn found themselves helping parishes in a new way by fielding calls from “lonely and isolated” priests who “miss their flock”. Normally tending to the bread production at St Mary’s Abbey, Sr Fiachra found herself providing much-needed conversation to priests who had been deprived of…