The “frightening” extent of Christian persecution must be a “major part” of any new Government’s foreign policy, according to Fianna Fáil’s Chair of the Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade. Brendan Smith TD told The Irish Catholic that whatever form Ireland’s new Government takes the increasing amount of persecution against Christians around the world must…

A recent report showed that trust in the effectiveness of Irish overseas aid has dropped by 4% since 2017, but Matt Moran ex-chairman of Misean Cara feels that the missionary structure could improve this. The 2019 survey by Kantar Survey of Public Attitudes towards Overseas Aid is now in its third year. It is jointly-funded…

Irish charity Alone has called on communities to maintain regular communication with older people in self-isolation during the coronavirus outbreak. Grainne Loughran, Alone Communications Officer, is calling for “community co-operation” when it comes to reaching out to support vulnerable elderly who are on their own. “There has been an increase in the number of calls…

Sixteen fragments in the Museum of the Bible in Washington DC are not from the ancient Dead Sea Scrolls but elaborate fakes, it has emerged. Despite the fact that they were purchased for millions of dollars, they have now been exposed as worthless forgeries probably made from old shoe leather. However, the hoaxers did such…

An Irish charity is offering free online meditation classes to “everyone and anyone” after suspending all public classes and scheduled courses due to the coronavirus outbreak. The Sanctuary, based in Dublin city centre, is looking to promote social change over the web having been forced to close its doors last week. “We are offering free…

Hundreds of school students took part in a “fun and Faith-filled” concert in the Helix on Dublin City University’s campus, with the last of four nights being cancelled due the coronavirus (Covid-19), due to the guidelines issued by Government. This was the 14th Emmanuel concert, with 20,000 school students taking part over the years. The…

Church
 bells
 ring
 around
 Waterford
 for
 prayer
 and
 solidarity Bells were rung in churches throughout Co. Waterford on St Patrick’s Day as a call to prayer and social solidarity. The Bishop of Waterford and Lismore Phonsie Cullinan dedicated the prayers to those affected by the coronavirus (Covid-19) and asked Our Lady to “intercede for us”.…

The courage, bravery and spirit of St Patrick is needed in Ireland to fight the coronavirus (Covid-19), according to the Bishop of Ossory who has dubbed it a “modern plague”. In a homily delivered on St Patricks Day, Bishop Dermot Farrell of Ossory said despite enduring a “torrid time”, St Patrick did not give in…

The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes has closed for the first time in over a century following new restrictions in France to slow the spread of the coronavirus (Covid-19). “For the first time in its history, the sanctuary will close its doors for a while. Pray with us the novena to the Immaculate,” Msgr…