Chai Brady
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 Aron Hegarty The decision to include the pursuit of exclusion zones outside abortion centres in the Programme for Government has been described as “vindictive” by the Life Institute. The programme set out by Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael and the Green Party states the new Government will: “Establish exclusion zones around medical facilities.”…

Over a dozen religious leaders have said they are “delighted” the Occupied Territories Bill was dropped in the draft Programme of Government in a statement issued this week, while Trócaire have called for its implementation. Signed by over a dozen clergy and lay people of a variety of denominations, the leaders stated: “This bill was…

Companies operating in Ireland must end the use of child labour in supply chains, said the Cathaoirleach of Ógra Aontú. Speaking on the International Day Against Child Labour, Ben Conroy said “child labour is modern slavery, and our global companies in our society still rely on it”. “At a time in which people are becoming increasingly…

Parishes need “practical advice” from bishops to help with “complex process” of opening churches, said Fr Aquinas Duffy of Cabinteely parish. Speaking to The Irish Catholic, Fr Duffy praised the recent framework document published by the Irish bishops, but said that it provided more questions than answers at this point. “They bishops are doing what they…

Lockdown is a chance to recognise that the Eucharist is not some “holy fuel”, but an “intimate communion with Jesus”, said Bishop Donal McKeown of Derry. Speaking on Corpus Christi, Bishop McKeown said that if “we are not open to being in intimate communion with Jesus, allowing him to dwell within us, then receiving Communion…

Lockdown weddings had the “same joy as if the church was full”, said Fr John Bracken, who celebrated two of the just 82 weddings held during lockdown. Thousands of weddings were cancelled during lockdown, but those that went ahead were “oases of joy”, said Fr Bracken of Dundrum. “Both were streamed on the webcam,” he said. “Because of…

The Irish Refugee Council (IRC) has welcomed the new draft Programme for Government which contains a commitment to ending Direct Provision. In the draft published this week, assurances have been made that accommodation will be provided for asylum seekers. “This is a significant moment in the long campaign to end Direct Provision and is necessary step for triggering…

Chai
 Brady and 
Aron Hegarty   Wexford GAA stalwart Tony Dempsey has called on Gaelic clubs to team up with local parishes to ensure a safe return to public Masses. It comes as the Church this week published guidelines for Masses to be open to a congregation from June 29. Mr Dempsey – a former…