The northern bishops say they are “saddened and dismayed” by what they describe as “extreme” new regulations from the British government legalising widespread access to abortion for the first time in the region. “Their implementation will facilitate one of the most liberal abortion regimes anywhere in the world,” the prelates said in a statement March…
Our true strength is the capacity to “value every person” and “carry the weak” in facing the coronavirus, according to the Bishop of Ossory in a pastoral letter issued this weekend. Bishop Dermot Farrell urged solidarity and appealed for people to support frontline workers. He said: “We are learning about the fragility of our lives.…
Many priests will be amongst those ordered to be ‘cocooned’ in the latest regulations to fight the coronavirus pandemic. It comes as Archbishop Diarmuid Martin confirmed that some Irish priests and deacons have tested positive for Covid-19. In an email to parishes on Friday, Dr Martin said “we are all reminded to keep in our…
Pope Francis has paid tribute to the ordinary – often forgotten – people who are in the forefront of confronting the coronavirus pandemic. In a poignant ceremony of Benediction with the Blessed Sacrament in an empty St Peter’s Square broadcast all around the world this evening, the Pontiff also said that the current crisis can…
Minister for Health Simon Harris has told the Dáil that he will revise the existing ‘Model of Care’ which regulates and describes the conditions under which a medical practitioner may certify an abortion. Mr Harris made his remarks while rejecting amendments from opposition TDs to the Covid-19 related Emergency Measures Bill, which were along the…
A number of Solidarity/People Before Profit and Rise TDs have proposed the suspension of the existing three-day waiting period before an abortion can be obtained be added to emergency legislation being debated in the Dáil. This is in addition to the proposals to permit abortion consultations and prescriptions online. The proposals form part of a number of…
The Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of All-Ireland has urged people to watch Pope Francis’ global celebration of prayer, which RTÉ will broadcast tomorrow (Friday, March 27) at 5pm Irish time. Commentary will be provided by Editor of The Irish Catholic Michael Kelly. Archbishop Eamon Martin said: “In the midst of this horrendous Covid-19 pandemic, I thank…
Chai Brady and Aron Hegarty The coronavirus crisis can be an opportunity for parishes to creatively reconnect with people who have lost touch with the Church, it has been claimed. It comes as parishes up and down the country are finding new ways to offer liturgy and pastoral support due to the suspension of…
Messages that encourage people to pray a certain amount of times to avert harm are ‘sacrilegious’ and ‘superstitious’, according to a renowned Vincentian priest and exorcist who said people should put their trust in God at this time of crisis. Dublin-based Fr Pat Collins CM has warned against chain letters or messages which are causing…
A pastoral worker in Northern Ireland has called on all the churches of Ireland to ring their bells as a show of solidarity and hope during the coronavirus (Covid-19) crisis. Brian McKee, a Belfast native, wants all churches across the country to unite by ringing their chapel bells together for one minute at noon this…
Michael Kelly
Chai Brady