Pope Francis thanked God “that Ireland has such a wise man as its Head [of State]”, during the latest encounter between the Pontiff and the president. President Higgins met the Pontiff before meeting Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, who was accompanied by Vatican Foreign Minister Archbishop Paul Gallagher. A Vatican statement disclosed that…
Strengthening the peace process in the North was among the topics discussed when Pope Francis received President Michael D. Higgins today (Friday) at the Vatican. President Higgins met the Pontiff before meeting Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, who was accompanied by Vatican Foreign Minister Archbishop Paul Gallagher. A Vatican statement said that during…
Former Justice Minister Charlie Flanagan has urged fellow politicians to resist the temptation to demonise the huge contribution of Catholic education simply because it has become fashionable to criticise the Church. Mr Flanagan said that citizens owed priests and religious a huge debt of gratitude for their tireless commitment, especially when the State lacked the…
Former president of Ireland Mary McAleese has said that for synodality and the Church to work in the future, it must accept the UN’s ‘Universal Declaration of Human Rights’. Mrs McAleese was speaking at the ‘Root and Branch Synod’ in Bristol on September 10, which was organised by lay Catholics. Her keynote lecture was titled…
Tyrone’s All-Ireland victory over Mayo has been received in a spirit of humility, with Tyrone star Conor Meyler saying the team are “so grateful” for all of the prayers and support received from their county-men and women. “As a team, we’re so grateful and feel blessed with the huge support and prayers that we have…
Drug-related crime and addiction is “as bad as he’s seen it” since he started drug-related pastoral work in the mid-90s, Bishop Michael Router told this paper. Bishop Router has been calling for greater focus in the funding and resourcing of family support networks amid growing drug-related crime and anti-social behaviour in the island’s north-east. Speaking…
It is important to have a “clear vision for diocesan schools”, according to Bishop Denis Nulty of the Diocese of Kildare and Leighlin, who praised St Mary’s Knockbeg College, Co. Carlow for being “equipped for the next century”. Knockbeg College marked a milestone with an official opening ceremony for their multi-million-euro extension and restoration works…
The Diocese of Down and Connor enjoyed “glorious” music and a “jubilant atmosphere” at an event marking the beginning of the Season of Creation in Belfast. The liturgy for the beginning of the Season of Creation in the diocese took place in St Peter’s Cathedral on Wednesday, September 1. Paula McKeown of Living Church in…
A UN role aimed at promoting freedom of expression given to former Minister for Children Katherine Zappone, which she stepped down from after public outcry, should encompass efforts to defend freedom of religion according to Charlie Flanagan TD. Speaking to The Irish Catholic, Mr Flanagan, who is a former Minister for Foreign Affairs and is…
In a raft of future plans, the inclusion of women in leadership roles “as equal members of the Church” will be one of the key priorities for the Archdiocese of Cashel and Emly. A four-year listening process aimed at moving towards a Church that will better serve the people and communities of the archdiocese was…
Chai Brady