The student Knights of St Columbanus at Queen’s University Belfast undertook a walk, run or cycle from Bangor to Bobbio, Italy, this Lent in an attempt to raise funds for St Vincent de Paul. The initiative took inspiration from the pilgrimage route of their patron – St Columbanus – and sought to complete the equivalent…
Category: Irish News
Myths around homeless prevent solutions, says Fr McVerry
Fr Peter McVerry has decried the “myths around homelessness” which prevent the problem being resolved. Writing for the Jesuit Centre for Faith and Justice, Fr McVerry said that myths such as drug-addiction and mental health issues causing homelessness “diverts attention” from structural issues. “This myth is important because it diverts attention from the structural problems…
Pope pleads for easing of ‘severe restrictions’ on Catholics attending Mass
Pope Francis has used his traditional Easter message to pray for an end to restrictions in some parts of the world that have banned Catholics from worshipping together at the most important feast in the Christian calendar. The Pope’s prayer – delivered in his urbi et orbi address from St Peter’s Basilica – comes as…
Government in south neglecting spiritual wellbeing of Faithful – Archbishop Martin
The Government in the south is neglecting the spiritual wellbeing of the Faithful, according to the Primate of All-Ireland and Archbishop of Armagh. Archbishop Eamon Martin said authorities in the North, where the Faithful have returned to public worship, “recognise that people’s spiritual, mental and emotional health helps them with their physical health as well”.…
Task force created to aid ‘radical renewal’ of Archdiocese of Dublin
A task force composed of clergy, religious and laypeople has been established by Archbishop Dermot Farrell to prepare an assessment of the needs of the people of the Archdiocese of Dublin as they emerge from the Covid crisis. He has done this in recognition of the fact that the Church in Dublin “faces challenges” which…
Patience of the Faithful ‘wearing thin’ over Mass ban warns Bishop
The Archbishop of Dublin and Bishop of Waterford and Lismore have called for the easing of restrictions on public worship in messages released last night. Archbishop Dermot Farrell of Dublin used his homily for the Chrism Mass to “emphasise to Government the importance of the earliest possible return to the public worship”. He also warned…
Bishop warns criminalising Mass-goers and priests sets a ‘worrying precedent’
Ruadhán Jones and Jason Osborne Bishop of Meath Tom Deenihan has described the Government’s decision to criminalise people attending Mass as “foolish” and warned that it sets a “worrying precedent”. It comes as politicians from all sides have stepped up pressure on the Government in the Republic to permit people to return to Mass as…
Dante’s divine contribution celebrated on 7th centenary of his death
Famed Italian poet Dante Alighieri’s contribution to Christendom is “insurmountable” and cannot be underestimated as a renewed appreciation of his work commemorates the 700th anniversary of his death. Fr John Harris OP of Newbridge told The Irish Catholic that the role his works have played in art and literature was to “open up the visage…
Belfast priest ‘disappointed’ after sectarian flag put at girls’ school
A Belfast priest has voiced his disappointment after a flag showing loyalist killer Michael Stone was put up near Holy Cross Girls’ School in Ardoyne. Rector at Holy Cross Ardoyne, Fr Eugene McCarthy told The Irish Catholic the incident wasn’t representative of the Loyalist community. “I think it could be an embarrassment to the Loyalist people to…
Keep Myanmar missionaries in prayers during Holy Week as ‘desperate’ violence continues
During Holy Week the Faithful should keep Myanmar in their prayers as violent crackdowns on protests against a military coup have led to the deaths of hundreds of people, an Irish bishop has said. Bishop Denis Nulty of the Diocese of Kildare and Leighlin said the situation in the country “concerns me hugely”. He asked…


Ruadhán Jones
Michael Kelly
Chai Brady





