Parishioners gathered in Wexford and Dublin this weekend to pray for a return to public worship, as Christians face a second Easter without Mass. “Sixty people gathered together, all safely spaced out,” said Ms Katie Black, who was involved in the gatherings. “Everyone was delighted to come together and some even expressed later that they…
Category: Irish News
New poll finds half of regular Mass-goers would return now
A new survey carried out has shown that almost half (47%) of regular Mass goers would attend Mass today if they could, despite the ongoing pandemic. The poll, which was commissioned by the Iona Institute, found that 57% of regular Mass-goers went again over Christmas, and over 24% of the overall population. The same research…
Vaccine delays a cause for mental health concern
The vaccine delay is the “overarching factor” that has changed people’s attitudes to the lockdown, according to Professor of Psychiatry Patricia Casey. Speaking to The Irish Catholic, Professor Casey said the delay is “very distressing for people” and encouraged them to get in touch with their TDs to express how “disgruntled” they are. “This is…
Kicker Heaven-sent horse snatches Cheltenham victory
Trainer Paul Hennessy whose horse ‘Heaven Help Us’ snatched an impressive victory in the Coral Cup at the Cheltenham Festival opened up about the religious names of some of his other horses over the weekend. Mr Hennessy said on RTÉ’s CountryWide that the winning horse’s siblings all have religious names. The mother of Heaven Help…
‘Don’t cancel Easter’, say independent TDs and Senators at campaign launch
Independent senators and TDs launched a campaign yesterday (March 23) calling on the Taoiseach “not to cancel Easter”, as no evidence has been shown to support a ban on Masses
Gardaí fine Fr PJ Hughes for celebrating public Mass
A Co. Cavan priest who has not prevented parishioners from attending Mass in the church has been issued with a €500 fine by gardaí The Irish Catholic can reveal. Fr PJ Hughes, Mullahoran parish in Co. Cavan has been warned by authorities in the past that the fact that the doors are open and a small number…
Pope hails Irish missionary spirit as he elevates Knock to international status
Pope Francis has urged Irish Catholics to remember the great faith that Irish missionaries have brought to every corner of the world. The Pope made the plea tonight (Friday) via a videolink to Knock Shrine where he formally elevated the site of the Virgin Mary’s apparition in 1879 as an international sanctuary of special Eucharistic…
Westminster seeks to force North to implement abortion laws
The Westminster government has been criticised for seeking to give Britain’s secretary of state for the region new powers to compel Stormont to implement abortion laws over the head of locally-elected politicians. Aontú has described the push as an “attack on self-determination”. Speaking of the unprecedented decision, Derry Aontú representative Gemma Brolly said: “For 200…
Senator seeks Oireachtas support in urging Govt to reopen churches
Independent Senator Sharon Keogan has sought the help of members of the Oireachtas as she takes to the front of Leinster House in support of the reopening of churches for Easter. The senator will be joined by other members of the Oireachtas at 12pm on Tuesday, March 23 in front of Leinster House. In a…
Bishops say synod process will allow people to ‘let off steam’
Chai Brady and Ruadhán Jones The Church cannot shy away from controversial questions about the disconnect with young people and the role of women as it prepares for a national synod, bishops have told The Irish Catholic. Following their spring meeting, the hierarchy announced that it will work towards a national synod in the next…

Ruadhán Jones




Michael Kelly



