Independent Dáil members have described as “bizarre” Government suggestions that families might forgo Christmas nativity plays this festive season while sports stadiums and night clubs are full. It comes as the Ombudsman for Children Niall Muldoon warned that the suggestions have a disproportionate impact on children and young people since no such plans have been…
The Social Democrat’s Sex Education Bill introduced into the Dáil last week is an “attack on pluralism and diversity”, said Aontú leader Peadar Tóibín. The Meath-West TD accused the Social Democrats of trying to “force their ethos on other families who don’t want it”. “We believe that all parents should be able to send their…
Pope Francis has appointed a long-time Vatican diplomat to be his personal envoy to Medjugorje, following the death of Polish Archbishop Henryk Hoser in August. Pastoral situation Dr Hoser had overseen the pastoral situation in the shrine, the site of reported Marian apparitions in Bosnia and Herzegovina, since 2017. He died in Warsaw at age…
Fr Paddy Moran CSSp, who served as a missionary in Ethiopia for 11 years, made a passionate plea for prayers for the war torn country The Spiritan’s plea comes as the Irish Government advised its citizens to leave Ethiopia immediately, over concerns for their safety. Ethiopia, Fr Moran said, is “the birthplace of life”, but…
Staff reporter Dom Richard Purcell has resigned as abbot of the largest Cistercian monastery in the country. Dom Richard, who made history in 2009 by becoming the country’s youngest abbot at just 33, has led Mount Melleray since moving from Roscrea in 2017. However, he tendered his resignation last week. Order of Cistercians A statement…
Staff reporter Paul Givan, a DUP MLA, has resigned from the Free Presbyterian Church due to a dispute regarding October’s ecumenical centenary service in Armagh, according to reports. It is believed Mr Givan resigned rather than face disciplinary action overseen by church elders, The Irish News reported. The number of DUP MLAs who are full…
Staff, students, Presentation Sisters and former staff members of Presentation Ballingary gathered last week to celebrate their 150th anniversary with an anniversary Mass. Archbishop of Cashel and Emly Kieran O’Reilly concelebrated Mass for Presentation Ballingarry with parish priest and school chaplain Fr Derry Quirke. In his homily, Archbishop O’Reilly paid tribute to “the trials and…
St Angela’s College Sligo are confident that its Catholic ethos will be protected, as the Minister for Higher Education has given the go-ahead for its incorporation into Sligo IT. The Irish Catholic understands that the board of St Angela’s is satisfied with the protections being put in place for the new incorporation. It will have…
Staff Reporter To mark the centenary of the Legion of Mary, The Irish Catholic will next week publish a specially-dedicated souvenir edition looking at the remarkable life of Frank Duff and the tremendous work of the enormous lay organisation he founded. Charting the humble beginnings of the legion to being the largest movement ever to…
Parishes across the country are fearful that the soaring cost of living and job losses due to the pandemic are “tipping people into poverty”. The Society of St Vincent de Paul – which helps people in need in every parish in Ireland – is bracing itself for record demand ahead of Christmas. Rose McGowan, national…
Chai Brady
Ruadhán Jones