A parish priest in Co. Laois says the Covid-19 pandemic has produced a greater hunger for presence and gathering among Catholics. Fr Paddy Byrne of Abbeyleix, who is originally from Carlow town, told The Irish Catholic that online platforms have increased the spiritual need for “real presence”. “These are very strange times and the virtual world, I…
Aontú leader Peadar Tóibín has criticised the Government’s pandemic plan, saying he saw “no logic in deferring the phased re-opening of places of worship until July”, while sporting events and restaurants will open in June. Mr Tóibín called on the Taoiseach to “listen to the concerns of faith groups and their detailed ideas and plans” on reopening places…
An 81-year old priest in Co. Down has taken his love for music to Facebook on Saturday nights to boost morale in these difficult times. Fr Seán Rogan of Carryduff, known as the ‘piano player’, told The Irish Catholic what prompted him to go on social media. “While we were in this lockdown, it struck me that…
Showband legend Brendan Bowyer has been hailed as “a man of faith” who was “very friendly and very humble”. Brendan was 81 when he died last week in Las Vegas surrounded by his family. Fr Brian D’Arcy, who knew Brendan when he was a student, said: “We were friendly that long ago and we always…
The Catholic Church has called for inquiries into the devastating impact that coronavirus has had on nursing homes in Ireland. To date, 900 nursing home residents have died due to Covid-19 in Ireland and they make up more than half of all deaths attributed to the disease here. This week the Dáil heard claims that nursing homes…
Ireland’s national Marian shrine will join Pope Francis in praying the Rosary to implore Our Lady’s intercession and protection during the current coronavirus crisis today, the eve of Pentecost. Fr Richard Gibbons will say the Rosary at the Apparition Chapel in Knock, which will be streamed live on www.knockshrine.ie at 4.30pm. The Pope will be…
Adapting to restrictions in place due to the coronavirus pandemic Bishop Phonsie Cullinan has announced that Confession will be available across his diocese in open air venues on Saturday, in preparation for Pentecost. In a pastoral message for the Feast of Pentecost Bishop Cullinan said that “part of our care for our brothers and sisters…
Archbishop Diarmuid Martin has said there is no room for “self-dispensation” or “self-interpretation” regarding health guidelines in place to protect from Covid-19. He warned that attempts to jump the queue by “individuals or communities puts everyone at risk”. The statement came after reports that a parish in Blackrock, Co. Dublin, was allowing people to attend…
EXCLUSIVE Michael Kelly and Chai Brady Vulnerable and older parishioners will be asked to stay home rather than attend Mass under a new draft plan being discussed by the hierarchy The Irish Catholic can reveal. The plan aims to ensure that all preparations are made so that churches are ready to move as soon as…
Baroness Nuala O’Loan has dubbed a statement by the Association of Catholic Priests (ACP) “ill-advised” and “offensive” after they criticised individuals and groups pushing for a faster return to public Masses. The prominent human rights lawyer, former NI police ombudsman and member of the House of Lords, Baroness O’Loan told The Irish Catholic that it’s…
Michael Kelly
Chai Brady