A Dublin-based deacon who spent six weeks in hospital fighting for his life battling coronavirus has thrown his weight behind a call for a return to Mass for Easter. Deacon Don Devaney – who is well-known as the organiser of the Divine Mercy Conference – spent much of his time in intensive care on a…

The Redemptoristines of Drumcondra are the latest community in Ireland to perform the Jerusalema dance challenge, responding to a nomination from their Redemptorist brothers. The video, which was posted to the community’s Facebook page, has been viewed over 10,000 times, and received over 2,500 likes and shares. “The lyrics of the ‘Jerusalema’ song are in…

It’s important nations “work together” and not hoard vaccines, said Bishop Denis Nulty, as he warned that the Covid-19 pandemic can only end once everyone is vaccinated. That bishop’s call comes as figures reveal that the EU, US and Japan have purchased one billion more vaccine doses than their population needs. “It’s crucial ethical question…

Minister Patrick O’Donovan has expressed the desire to see priests and undertakers treated as frontline workers when it comes to vaccination. The Limerick Leader reported that Minister O’Donovan said he was planning to write to Government colleague, Stephen Donnelly, in relation to vaccination for priests and undertakers. Speaking to The Irish Catholic, Mr O’Donovan said…

Researchers have found that the “desire to die” that is sometimes expressed among elderly people living in community is often “transient” and linked to experiences of loneliness and depression. Longitudinal study The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (Tilda) found that four per cent of 8,100 people aged over 50 expressed a desire to die when…

The latest Nasa rover to touchdown on Mars has been hailed as inspiration for future explorers, a Church astronomer has said. Own path in life Jesuit Brother Robert Macke said that events like this were what inspired his own path in life. With degrees in physics, philosophy and theology, Br Macke said that he hopes…

Parishes already struggling with debt are under “crippling pressure” to maintain church structures, said the parish priest in Gurranabraher, Cork. Fr Tom Walsh SMA appealed to “committed” and “not-so-committed” parishioners to “come to the aid of churches in need”. He warned that some parishes may not be able to survive the pandemic. “We have seen…

Many St Patrick’s Day celebrations won’t be on the cards this year due to Covid-19 restrictions but The Saint Patrick Centre in Co. Down have prepared an online performance which includes music, dance and iconic imagery honouring the saint. ‘The Saint Patrick Show – A Musical and Visual Tale from Ancient to Modern Times’ will…

RTÉ is asking people to take part in a survey which aims to guide them in future content decisions and what audiences think about the broadcaster. Currently they are preparing a new ‘Public Service Statement’, which will be a commitment to their audience. In a statement on their website RTÉ said: “All opinions are welcome,…