Religious orders have expressed a “cautious optimism” since the reception of the first jab in many of the congregated settings around the island. Speaking to The Irish Catholic, provincials and representatives of various orders told of their “relief” and gratitude following the reception of the vaccine. “Given our age profile you can imagine, it’s very…
The Aontú representative for East Derry has criticised “the absence of humanity or compassion” in Sinn Féin’s push to increase the number of abortions in Northern Ireland. Gemma Brolly said Sinn Féin are seeking to “bin the Human Right to life of the weakest among us” by pushing to increase abortion services. Sinn Féin have…
Gang intimidation due to drug debts has increased during lockdown according to a group who help families affected by drug addiction. In addition, more families are becoming “isolated” with online forums failing to bridge the gap, a coordinator from the National Family Support Network said. North East Region coordinator Gwen McKenna told this paper: “Gang…
Two Laois students have raised €1,800 in a virtual ‘Walk to Lourdes’ challenge for a homelessness charity. Sadhbh Dunne and Cara Phelan encouraged their community to collectively walk 1,965km – the distance from their Portlaoise school and Lourdes, France – as part of their St John Paul II award. So far they have raised €1,790…
The Catholic bishops hit out at Taoiseach Micheál Martin for not responding to a request to permit Mass for Easter almost four weeks after a meeting to discuss the vital issue. In their strongest intervention on public worship, the Church leaders insisted last week that ongoing restrictions banning people attending Mass would be “unjust” as…
The northern bishops have announced what they describe as “a cautious return to public worship” from March 26, in time for the celebration of Holy Week and Easter. However, they warned that people who feel vulnerable should consider carefully if now is the time for them to return or if they should continue to join…
The Archbishop of Dublin has called on the Government to assure people of faith that the right to worship will be prioritised in easing Covid-19 restrictions. Archbishop Dermot Farrell also said that the number of people permitted to attend Mass when restrictions are eased should not be “randomly determined”. He described current restrictions on funerals…
The Primate of All Ireland said that St Patrick’s day under lockdown is a chance to “rescue the real St Patrick from the legends and distractions surrounding him”
An amendment to outlaw abortions on those with non-fatal disabilities has passed the second stage in the Northern Irish assembly by 48 votes to 12. Pro-life groups called the vote for the Severe Fetal Abortion (Amendment) Bill “a wake-up call to the radical nature” of the North’s abortion law, saying that it gives hope that…
Knock Shrine is to be recognised as an International Marian and Eucharistic Shrine March 19, the Feast of St Joseph. The Pope is to deliver a special message via video link recognising Knock Shrine’s special status during Mass at 7:30pm on Friday, March 19. The announcement comes during the year of St Joseph, as declared…
Ruadhán Jones
Chai Brady
Michael Kelly