Grandparents and elders have “a mission to encourage young people on their faith journey”, Bishop Denis Nulty said, as he welcomed the Pope’s announcement of the theme for the second World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly
Category: Irish News
Church reform continues as Bishop Duignan to also lead Galway Diocese
The Vatican’s reform of structures in the Church in Ireland took another step forward today (Friday) with news that Bishop of Clonfert Michael Duignan is to take over the running of the neighbouring Diocese of Galway. It is the first move in reforms that are expected to see a dramatic reduction in the number of…
Pride of the parish: Delight over Leona Maguire win
Co. Cavan parishioners have expressed delight that local woman Leona Maguire has put the community in the global spotlight following her historic golfing victory. The 27-year-old made history by becoming the first Irishwoman to win the ladies’ PGA tour in Florida in the early hours of Monday morning. Fr Oliver O’Reilly of Ballyconnell, Co. Cavan…
Benedict seeks forgiveness for abuse failings
Retired Pope Benedict XVI (94) has said he is conscious he will soon stand before the judgement of God as he answers claims that he mishandled abuse allegations during his time as an archbishop in Germany. In response on Tuesday to a recent report on sexual abuse cases in the German Archdiocese of Munich and…
Fatima pioneer Veronica Duffy dies
Staff reporter Veronica Duffy who died recently, aged 88, was a co-director, with her husband Lauri, of Fatima Pilgrim Tours. Veronica spent most of the pilgrimage season in Fatima where she was a sanctuary-authorised pilgrim guide. She had a special devotion to the angels, and in her guided tour talks to the Irish pilgrim groups she always…
Priests warn rural parishioners living in fear of violent crime
Many parishioners in rural Ireland are living in fear of being victims of crime in their own homes, priests have told The Irish Catholic. Concern has been heightened after a recent attack on Co. Sligo pensioner Tom Niland provoked shock and anger across the country. Gardaí say that Mr Niland, 73, was attacked and robbed…
Boxing champ reveals he found peace in church
Staff reporter Belfast-born boxer Carl Frampton has revealed that attending Mass with his former manager brought great comfort ahead of fights. The former two-weight world champion, from a Protestant background, admitted to not being “overly religious” during a recent event at Clonard Monastery as part of the Four Corners Festival. However, he said he values…
Brexit the ‘ghost that haunts Good Friday Agreement’ – historian
Brexit and the Northern Ireland Protocol are challenging the Good Friday Agreement, prominent historian Dr Eamon Phoenix has said. This comes following Paul Givan’s resignation as Stormont First Minister as part of the DUP’s escalating protest strategy against Brexit’s Northern Ireland Protocol. Speaking to The Irish Catholic, Dr Phoenix said power sharing “is very prone…
Mask wearing in churches ‘never requirement’ under legislation
The Minister for Health has confirmed that the wearing of masks in churches has never been a requirement under statutory instrument – it has been public health advice. Last week in the Dáil, Minister Stephen Donnelly, in response to a question from Mattie McGrath TD, said that while the majority of public health measures have…
Theologian raises concerns over calls to reinstate Fr Flannery
Following calls from the Irish Redemptorists for the Vatican to reinstate a priest removed from ministry, a theologian has raised concerns that he is still “at loggerheads with several important Church teachings”. Fr Tony Flannery CSsR was suspended from public ministry by the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith in 2012, with that dicastery…

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