The Vatican has released the text of two new Marian prayers which Pope Francis is encouraging Catholics to recite as part of the Rosary in this time of pandemic. It comes on the eve of the month of May – a time traditionally dedicated to devotion to the Mother of God. In a letter published…
Archbishop Eamon Martin has welcomed a decision by the northern Executive to lift coronavirus restrictions that had closed cemeteries in the region. Politicians were under increasing pressure to make the move and Archbishop Eamon was amongst Church leaders who appealed to the First Minister Arlene Foster and deputy First Minister Michelle O’Neill on Thursday to…
A year on from the tragic death of journalist Lyra McKee clergy have said restoring Stormont was a “fitting tribute”, as her “passion was to bring together people who think they are divided”. Fr Martin Magill PP of St John’s Parish on the Falls Road and Fr Stephen Forde, Dean of Belfast released a joint…
The northern bishops have written to members of the region’s assembly to voice their opposition to new regulations regarding abortion, insisting it must be debated “as a matter of urgency”. They said the current regulations, which were brought in due to legislation passed in Westminster, must be formulated to reflect the position of the majority…
Priests tell of ‘heart-breaking’ Covid-19 ministry A Co. Kildare-based priest has spoken of the moving and humbling experience of helping to bring peace and consolation to patients suffering from coronavirus through the grace of the Sacrament of the Sick. Fr Seán Maher described ministering to patients isolated from their loved ones as visiting “the wounded…
A Belfast-based priest has decried the “despicable” actions of fraudsters trying to con vulnerable people out of their money by pretending to collect parish envelopes. This comes after the Diocese of Down and Connor reported that certain “unscrupulous individuals” were offering to take weekly parish envelopes – which currently aren’t being collected. Fr Paddy McCafferty…
Prof. Des O’Neill, a consultant geriatrician at Tallaght University Hospital in Dublin has claimed that what is playing out now in nursing homes with Covid-19 is the failure by successive minister for health to prioritise care for older citizens. He insists that blame for the failure to prevent the catastrophic spread of the virus in…
A 103-year-old nun has become the oldest person in Ireland to contract and survive the coronavirus. Sr Martha Hickey, an Infant Jesus sister, got the deadly virus over three weeks ago and, against the odds, has made a miraculous recovery. The centenarian, who has devoted over 80 years of her life to the Church, first…
A new poll has revealed that 27% of Irish people say they have watched or listened to at least one religious service during the current period of lockdown. The same poll found that 18% of people reported that they are praying more than they usually would. The research – carried out by Amarach on behalf…
The leaders of Ireland’s main Christian traditions have commended those working on the frontline during the coronavirus pandemic for “their work, courage and compassion”. They also encouraged those taking part in the evening appreciation of healthcare workers to pray for them when the applause has ended and people go back into their homes. Archbishop Eamon…
Michael Kelly
Chai Brady