Prayer is the one place you can be “as profoundly you as you can be,” TV star Frank Skinner told the BBC’s Songs of Praise recently. The famous comedian, writer, TV presenter and actor spoke of his up-and-down relationship with the Faith but revealed the importance it has in his life at this stage. “I…
Everyone who has an interest in a peaceful transition to a more democratic Ireland ought to engage on unity, writes Fr Joe McVeigh Martin Mansergh, in his recent column in The Irish Catholic, argues that this is not the time to be talking about a border poll. I totally disagree with him. The Belfast/Good Friday agreement…
A Limerick diocesan report has found that there needs to be a “radical change of mindset” to balance leadership within the Church and “recognise the role of women”. The ‘Role of Women in Church Leadership Working Group Report’ found that “If you went into any parish, any church in the country, you would find that…
People should remember the contribution religious orders have made to Irish education and other services, according to ex-Taoiseach Bertie Ahern. Speaking on The Saint Patrick’s Podcast to Martina Purdy and Elaine Kelly, Mr Ahern spoke of the extensive religious presence in his native Drumcondra as he grew up. “In the area where I lived in…
Church-charity Trócaire has welcomed Pope Francis’ call for universal access to Covid-19 vaccines and a suspension of intellectual property rights on the vaccines. The Pope made the call in a video message to the ‘Vax Live’ concert, an event promoting a more equal global distribution of Covid-19 vaccinations. He said a “variant of this virus…
Priests and pastoral workers in Germany defied Pope Francis this week by conducting blessing ceremonies attended by same-sex couples. Organisers held a day of protest on Monday in response to the Vatican’s recent declaration that the Church does not have the power to bless same-sex unions. The ceremonies, known as Segnungsgottesdienste für Liebende, or ‘blessing services…
Chai Brady, Ruadhán Jones and Jason Osborne Catholics across the Republic are breathing a sigh of relief this weekend with the controversial ban on attending Mass due to be lifted on Monday, senior bishops have told The Irish Catholic. The prelates also praised what they described as the “fantastic work” of the army of volunteers…
Irish boxing champion Katie Taylor thanked God after she retained her WBC, WBA, IBF and WBO lightweight titles after her victory over Natasha Jones at the Manchester Arena. After the win on social media, Katie said: “Thanking God for a hard fought victory. Thank you all for the support!” The star has always been very vocal about…
Following a European Commission (EC) ruling that Ireland can’t be trusted to police its own fishing quotas, a Donegal-based priest criticised the Irish Government for failing to defend the fishing sector. The ruling comes as a blow after the Irish fishing sector had already lost €43 million following Brexit negotiations. Fr John Joe Duffy said…
Galway-based businessman Declan Ganley has said he intends to “press on” with his challenge to the restrictions on public worship, despite the return to public Mass on May 10. Mr Ganley’s case was postponed again at its last hearing until May 18. “The bans that were put in place were in our view unconstitutional and…
Chai Brady
Ruadhán Jones