A Facebook page dedicated to documenting the suffering of those going without public worship in Ireland has “given a voice to people”. Sandra Parda, of the ‘We Need Worship’ page told The Irish Catholic that the testimonies pouring in from around the country, and given a platform by the page, just “make my heart break”.…
A prominent TD has said it is “extremely disappointing” that the Dáil refused to allow her to question Health Minister Stephen Donnelly on whether it is an offence to attend Mass. Laois-Offaly deputy Carol Nolan was seeking clarification because the minister previously told the Dáil it was not an offence, but the State is now…
John McColgan, founder of Riverdance, said a “quiet prayer” for his friend, the Irish songwriter and broadcaster Shay Healy after he died following a “hard-fought battle” with Parkinson’s. Mr McColgan first met Shay Healy in the 1960s and said they remained friends ever since. Speaking on the Brendan O’Connor radio show, he spoke of how…
A new report for Government recommends “exceptionally liberal” legal recognition of domestic surrogacy arrangements, despite the “exploitative” nature of the practice, a Catholic bioethicist has said. The report by the Special Rapporteur on Child Protection, Prof. Conor O’Mahony, was released April 7 and calls for the introduction of domestic surrogacy. Surrogacy is where a woman…
Poor families are struggling to buy food as prices rise “astronomically” and Brazil’s Covid-19 crisis worsens, according to an Irish Spiritan based there. Fr Brendan Foley, the Superior of the Brazil South-West Province and parish priest in Perus, São Paulo told this paper that in response to the increase in food prices they opened a food bank…
The Irish Bishops have announced the initial submission phase of the upcoming synod, which was announced March 10. Commenting on the development, Bishop Brendan Leahy of Limerick said the bishops were inviting submissions “to reflect on what methods/models to adopt” in the coming two years of conversations. He gave as examples “parish hall meetings, focus…
Homelessness activist Fr Peter McVerry’s interview with Tommy Tiernan met with much acclaim on social media, which he said was “pleasing”. After the 15 minute interview aired on Saturday, Fr McVerry – who spoke out forcefully on the issue of homelessness – was praised for “the quiet force of his witness”. Fine Gael MEP Seán…
A recent report by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) said that many pupils will be heavily affected by the Covid-19 pandemic in the long run, with disadvantaged pupils especially affected. A key point is that students with access to good technology and parents willing to help with their work will fave much…
Efforts by pro-choice activists to make at-home abortions permanently available are driven by ideology “not how can we help the mother and baby”, say the Life Institute. In March, the Department of Health confirmed at-home abortion services would end after the pandemic. Pro-abortion groups, such as the National Women’s Council (NWCI), are pressuring the Government…
Catholic schools’ representatives have said schools are “delighted” as all classes return for the first time, though challenging times remain ahead. Mr Seamus Mulconry of the Catholic Primary Schools Management Association (CPSMA) said schools know “an hour in the classroom is worth a week online”. “Schools are delighted and it’s far easier to have a…
Ruadhán Jones
Chai Brady