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,…
Health authorities should make vaccines available for carers, chaplains and priests who conduct funerals “as a matter of priority”, the Council for Healthcare of the Bishops’ Conference has said
Archbishop Martin has offered apologies and expressed a desire “to make atonement” in his video message to victims and survivors, as the Catholic Church in Ireland marks its Day of Prayer for Victims and Survivors of Abuse. Speaking in the video, Archbishop Eamon said, “No wonder so many people who have been abused find it…
Churches must be reopened for public worship, evangelical pastors and their congregations have told the Government in a new video campaign, saying “man cannot live by bread alone”. The video, which was posted less than 24 hours ago, has already seen hundreds of shares and likes on social media platforms. Speaking to The Irish Catholic, Pastor John Ahern of…
Representatives of Catholic parents have expressed frustration that they have been excluded from key discussions between the Department of Education and other stakeholders about issues as vital as getting children back to school. The Catholic Secondary Schools Parents Association (CSSPA) is the representative body for parents with children in Catholic secondary schools in Ireland, and…
Trócaire has warned that one-third of its annual donations have been put at risk after Covid-19 restrictions severely curtailed the distribution of Trócaire boxes this Lent. The Church-charity’s Lenten Appeal began on Ash Wednesday but the closure of schools and public Mass restrictions due to the pandemic have meant Trócaire boxes won’t reach many homes this year.…
Ruadhán Jones
Chai Brady