Staff reporter A new book on the Holy Land aimed at encouraging pilgrims to follow in the footsteps of Christ will be launched in Dublin next week. An Irish Pilgrimage Guide to the Holy Land by Editor of The Irish Catholic Michael Kelly explores a variety of themes, from an in-depth look at the important sites…
The Archdiocese of Dublin’s synodal report says that many “were moved by the Spirit” to call for the consideration of female priests, “so that the Church may be enriched by their deeper participation in leadership and governance roles”. The country’s largest diocese has released its synodal synthesis, with the four major trends having emerged being…
The Provincial Leader of the OLA Sisters has condemned the brutal attack on a Catholic church in southwest Nigeria over the weekend, which left dozens of people dead. Sr Kathleen McGarvey, who has worked on peacebuilding in Nigeria for many years, described the attack on Pentecost Sunday as “an absolute nightmare”. “It is very painful…
Prayers were offered in parishes across Ireland at the weekend in thanksgiving for the diocesan phase of the universal synod, with Archbishop of Armagh Eamon Martin describing it as the “largest consultation ever to take place in the Catholic Church”. “I am grateful to all who participated for their constructive engagement in the many local…
Staff Reporter Rumours that Pope Francis might retire have been fuelled by an announcement that he will be attending a feast initiated by a 13th Century pope who himself resigned. Speculation that the 85-year-old might follow in the footsteps of his predecessor Benedict XVI and step down from his post was prompted in early May when he…
CSO stats show almost half of births outside marriage The latest figures from the CSO revealed 41.5% of births in the fourth quarter of 2021 were outside marriage. The figures showed there were 16,250 births in the fourth quarter of 2021, with 9,512 (58.5%) of those registered as being within marriage or civil partnership. There…
An investigation is needed into the Orange Order and Flute Band following the broadcast of a “shockingly offensive” song mocking the murder of Michaela McAreavey, according to the leader of Aontú. Peadar Tóibín TD said the tragedy of Ms McAreavey’s murder extended across the whole of Ireland. He said: “It was truly shocking and disturbing…
The Catholic Schools Trustees’ Council (CSTS) has described as “concerning” any suggestion that parents might not get a say in the ethos of the education their children receive. This comes in response to Northern Ireland’s Secretary of State Brandon Lewis’ affirmation that UN-approved RSE might be imposed on schools in the North. The News Letter…
Staff reporter This year’s MSC Novena to the Sacred Heart is set to celebrate the theme of ‘Jesus – The Compassion and Mercy of God’ and will be led by main celebrant Fr Paul-Clayton Lea. “We are still emerging from the effects of the pandemic, which changed the world and scarred many lives. We are…
Sacramental marriage for gay and lesbian Catholics and the ordination of women priests are key demands of an LGBT focus group set by Bishop Kevin Doran as part of the synodal process. A Church-wide apology to LGBT people and their families from the Pope as well as priests and bishops and an end to the…
Chai Brady