A total of 6,666 abortions were carried out in the Republic in 2019, according to figures released by the Department of Health. Niamh Uí Bhriain of the Life Institute described the figures as “shocking and tragic”. She told The Irish Catholic: “It’s tragic to see this first report, it’s tragic to see that 6,666 babies…
The newly-appointed Bishop of Kilmore has insisted that laypeople must play an increasingly important role in decision-making. Bishop-elect Martin Hayes said the Church of the future will see more lay involvement and co-responsibility between priests and the laity. Speaking on his appointment as Bishop of Kilmore, Bishop-elect Hayes said his brief “will be to listen,…
Famous Irish presenter Seán O’Rourke said his Faith is important to him and that he believes in the hereafter, including Hell. Speaking to Ivan Yates, Mr O’Rourke explained that both his parents were “practising Catholics and quite devout”. O’Rourke went to Mass every weekend during college and still believes Faith is an important part of…
The Church’s sacraments are a gift and cannot be denied to disabled people, according to new Church guidelines for catechesis. Irish theologian Liam Waldron, who has long campaigned on this topic, was “delighted” by the announcement. “I welcome this greatly,” he said. “It has been a long time coming and a lot of us have…
Aontú leader Peadar Tóibín TD offered congratulations to the new Taoiseach and ministers, but criticised generalities and indecision in the Programme for Government (PfG). Speaking in the Dáil, Mr Tóibín congratulated Taoiseach Mícheal Martin on his appointment and said that he and his ministers “have been given offers so much opportunity for you and if…
The Red Army may have ended a silverware famine by being crowned Premier League champs at the weekend, but Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp took it all in his stride. He has revealed that he is devout and the Christian Faith has helped him to deal with both success and failure on and off the pitch.…
Bishop of Cork and Ross Dr Fintan Gavin has congratulated Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin on his election as Taoiseach. Meeting in the National Convention Centre in Dublin this morning, the 33rd Dáil elected Mr Martin with 93 voted in favour of his nomination and 63 against. Three deputies abstained. Reacting to the news, Bishop…
Despite an assurance from outgoing Taoiseach Leo Varadkar that churches would be exempted from a ban limiting attendance to 50-people, officials in his department now say the rule must remain in place. A senior bishop told The Irish Catholic tonight (Friday) that Government flip-flops on the issue are causing extreme frustration in parishes that have…
EXCLUSIVE The Archbishop of Dublin Diarmuid Martin warned the Government weeks ago that Catholics were increasingly unhappy and felt they were not being listened to about an earlier return to public Masses as churches re-opened in other parts of Europe, The Irish Catholic can exclusively reveal. In a note to Taoiseach Leo Varadkar on May…
Churches and other places of worship will be exempt from the 50-person indoor limit, after the one-size-fits-all nature of the rule drew sharp criticism from religious leaders. The Taoiseach Leo Varadkar announced the restriction on Friday night, and on Saturday Archbishop of Dublin Diarmuid Martin described the rule as “strange” and “disappointing”. He pointed out…
Ruadhán Jones
Michael Kelly