Virus lockdown has increased people’s faith The challenge of re-opening churches for public Mass should be used as a moment to revitalise parish councils, a leading theologian has said in response to new research which shows increased online and offline prayer and practice. Prof. Eamonn Conway told The Irish Catholic: “The main positive I…
Parishioners who have missed being physically present at the celebration of the Eucharist will have a unique chance to participate in a ‘drive-in Mass’ on Corpus Christi, Sunday, June 14. Religious tour specialists Marian Pilgrimages are in advanced plans to hold an open-air Mass which will be held in Leopardstown, Dublin just off the M50…
Former Taoisigh Bertie Ahern and John Bruton have said the current restrictions on church services must be addressed and “flexibility” given. Speaking to The Irish Catholic, Mr Bruton said there can never be “absolute safety”, and that “anyone who is a practicing Catholic would regard the sacraments as essential”. “The problem now I think is…
More than 300 Christian congregations across the island of Ireland have come together to record an ancient blessing of protection for frontline workers. The Irish Blessing was released on YouTube and has more than 300,000 views. Fr Martin Magill, of St John’s parish Belfast, was one of the organisers of the video and says he’s “delighted”…
“We have heard with quiet joy the decision of Pope Francis to canonise Brother Charles,” said the priest responsible for the Jesus Caritas fraternity in Ireland. Fr Niall Ahern said that “all over the world small groups of people of every faith have been inspired by this hermit priest, who during his own life had no…
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…
Michael Kelly
Chai Brady