Northern Ireland secretary Brandon Lewis’ “unprecedented” power to impose abortion “must be scrapped”, a pro-life organisation has said. Bernadette Smyth of Precious Life made her comments as a legal challenge to Mr Lewis’ powers was launched in the North’s high court this week by the Society for the Protection of Unborn Children (SPUC). The case…
Category: Irish News
Parish unveils bench for ‘precious’ centenarian
Cooley parish celebrated Madge Boyle’s 100th birthday by unveiling a park bench across the road from the house she was born in. Fr Malachy Conlon PP Cooley parish, Co. Louth, described Ms Boyle as “a precious light in our community”. Born September 12, 1921, Ms Boyle and her late husband Mike had nine children, 25…
Newry parishioners annoyed by ‘disastrous’ council plans
Plans that would remove Newry Cathedral’s parking have annoyed parishioners, with a recent survey showing 72% oppose the move. Fr Francis Brown, the Co. Down cathedral’s administrator, warned that the plans to build a civic centre in the cathedral’s parking area would be “disastrous”. “It means there would be no parking next to the cathedral,…
‘Safe zone’ move described as attempt to criminalise protest
Pro-life politicians have decried the launch of a bill that would introduce so-called ‘safe access zones’ outside hospitals and clinics providing abortion, arguing that it’s the attempted “criminalisation of peaceful pro-life speech and protest”. Speaking to The Irish Catholic newspaper, Laois-Offaly TD Carol Nolan said the bill is “nothing short of an ideological wrecking ball”.…
Addressing abuse legacy and the future of Dromore diocese
Redress scheme aims to reach as many victims and survivors as possible as Dromore looks at potential amalgamation, Chai Brady hears The future of Dromore diocese is far from certain as a pioneering redress scheme for survivors of clerical sexual abuse is set to decimate financial resources, which will mean the continuation of evangelisation and…
Assisted suicide opposed by palliative care movement
Euthanasia is “anathema” to the palliative care movement according to the chief executive of the Irish Hospice Foundation (IHF) Speaking before an IHF forum which ran from Tuesday to Wednesday this week, Sharon Foley said she could not see assisted suicide happening in Irish hospices. Speaking to The Irish Times, Ms Foley said: “The palliative…
Famous hotelier laments intolerance of faith in Ireland
Hotelier and TV personality Francis Brennan spoke recently about the importance of faith in his life and his disappointment about “an element” introduced into Irish society that doesn’t receive faith well. In an interview with the Irish Examiner, Mr Brennan spoke about how fear around a birth condition, which saw him born without an ankle…
Panel backs public inquiry into North’s mother and baby homes
A panel has said a public inquiry should be held into institutions for unmarried mothers in Northern Ireland. Appointed in late March 2021, the Truth Recovery Panel was scheduled to deliver its findings in six months following close collaboration with victims-survivors of Northern Ireland’s mother and baby homes, Magdalene Laundries and workhouses. The three experts,…
‘Christ’s love’ inspires Irish Capuchins’ first solemn profession in 7 years
The Irish Capuchin community celebrated Bro. Antony Kurian OFM Cap making his perpetual vows October 4. It was the first solemn profession for the Capuchins in Ireland since 2014, taking place on the feast of their founder St Francis of Assisi. Bro. Kurian’s commitment was described as a statement “that there is another way to…
Prosperous Parish acknowledged for efforts in combatting climate change
Prosperous Parish was recognised for its tireless efforts in the fight against climate change and global warming as it became the recipient of an Eco Parish award from Eco-Congregation Ireland, an organisation that encourages churches of all denominations to take an eco-approach to all facets of Church life. Speaking to The Irish Catholic, parish curate Fr Bernard Reyhart…

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