The Irish bishops’ conference has confirmed that each individual bishop will give “careful consideration” on how to implement Traditionis Custodes, the Pope’s motu proprio on the Traditional Latin Mass. The conference’s press office stated that the motu proprio, which introduced new restrictions on the TLM or Extraordinary Form, was discussed by the Irish bishops at…
New guidelines on funeral ministry in the diocese of Cork and Ross call for the introduction of funeral ministry teams in all parishes. The guidelines also update regulations around the repose of the deceased in a church, warning that churches are not to be used as funeral homes. The changes come after extensive collaboration between…
The former First Minister of the North of Ireland Arlene Foster has said that having a strong Christian faith means “you can’t just leave it at home” as a politician. Speaking at the St Patrick Centre in Downpatrick, Co. Down, Ms Foster said: “Christianity doesn’t call you to be neutral. It calls you to be…
Labour’s education spokesman Aodhán Ó Ríordáin was greeted with sustained applause after he shouted “let’s get them out” in relation to parish-owned Catholic schools. He made the call at the party’s annual conference at the weekend. He said that the practice of religious patronage of schools needed to be ended, adding: “If that requires a referendum we should do it…
The role of women in the Archdiocese of Dublin must be addressed to ensure full participation as many express a “sense of marginalisation”, according to a report from an archdiocesan taskforce. The report, called ‘Building Hope’, aims to map out the development of the archdiocese’s pastoral plan. The taskforce began its work six months ago…
The Association of Leaders of Missionaries and Religious Ireland (AMRI) is engaged in “ongoing dialogue” with the Department of Justice over issues regarding the Minister of Religion visa. Justice A working group was established by AMRI to dialogue with the Department of Justice “over the difficulties associated with acquiring Minister of Religion visas, and this…
The Bishop of Derry warned that a private member’s bill calling for integrated education in the North is a “very narrow piece of legislation”. Bishop Donal McKeown was speaking as the Stormont education committee took views on the proposed legislation by Alliance MLA Kellie Armstrong. Currently there is legislation which obliges the Department of Education…
The funeral of the last remaining founding member of the Social Democratic and Labour Party (SDLP) and civil rights activist, Austin Currie, evoked poignant tributes from many who have benefitted from his tireless campaigning for civil rights in Northern Ireland. Speaking during one of two funeral Masses held for Mr Currie, chief celebrant Fr Dean Kevin…
Nearly 20% of Irish women changed their minds about getting an abortion in 2020, according to HSE figures obtained by Laois-Offaly TD Carol Nolan. There were 6,455 abortions in Ireland in the first trimester of pregnancy in 2020, but 8,057 women had an initial consultation with a doctor about receiving an abortion. This has been…
Covid-19 may have struck “at the very heart” of the Church’s outreach and ministry to the sick, the dying and the bereaved, but it “could not, and did not, and will not destroy” the hope and belief that God is with those who are suffering, Archbishop Eamon Martin told those gathered at Knock last Saturday.…
Ruadhán Jones
Chai Brady