These are unprecedented times and prayer is needed now more than ever to carry humanity over the threshold of this darkness. Churches have been closed to dissuade congregations from gathering and spreading Covid-19, a novel coronavirus now known to affect the elderly and those with underlying health conditions severely. Masses have been restricted or outright…
A bishop in Derry has warned that Lent may last “longer than expected” due to the coronavirus, but says it can be a “great time of grace” during his homily this week. “Faith gives us an insight into difficulties that doesn’t come from economists or doctors,” said Bishop Donal McKeown in Saint Eugene’s Cathedral on…
In the year 304, the Emperor Diocletian forbade Christians – on pain of death – from possessing the Scriptures, from gathering on Sundays to celebrate the Eucharist and from building places in which to hold their assemblies. In Abitene, a small village in present-day Tunisia, 49 Christians were taken by surprise one Sunday while they…
Public Masses in Ireland with more than 100 people will not go ahead in coming weeks, according to latest Church regulations. However, some smaller Masses may continue during the coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic if the congregation is limited to fewer than 100 people. But, the Church has announced that all Irish Catholics have been dispensed from…
Archbishop Eamon Martin has called on Irish people who are anxious or frightened by the coronavirus outbreak to pray St Patrick’s famous breastplate prayer. He said this is to remember those who have contracted coronavirus and health care workers “who are bravely and selflessly” caring for them. The archbishop said that “these days I find…
A 12-year-old boy from Co Tyrone has collected over 400 chocolate Easter eggs for sick children in hospital. Corin Kelly Herron, from Strabane began collecting eggs several weeks ago, his mother Nadine Kelly said: “It started off he was happy to get 30 eggs for a children’s ward in Derry.” He has now collected over…
A visit to Ireland by one of the Church’s most powerful and senior prelates has been cancelled over coronavirus (Covid-19) fears. Prefect of the Congregation for the Evangelisation of Peoples, Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle – who many believe could be Pope Francis’ successor – was set to fly over from the Vatican to be the…
Pro-life politicians and activists are calling on the Northern Ireland Executive not to effect the abortion regulations currently being considered by the UK government, due to a “flawed” public consultation. The regulations are in the midst of being prepared and will expand abortion services in Northern Ireland with Baroness Nuala O’Loan saying the initial consultation…
The Christian homeless charity DePaul helped over 300 people exit direct provision centres in 2019. Through their Cosán Nua or ‘New Path’ service they helped 300 struggling households, moved 132 households into independent living and aided 328 people exiting Direct Provision centres, including 168 adults and 160 children. Sibusiso Lowrene, a single mother with two young…
Archbishop Diarmuid Martin – who is due to tender his resignation next month – has recalled a senior cleric from Rome and appointed him as Vicar with responsibility for priests. The appointment of Msgr Ciaran O’Carroll, who is currently rector of the Pontifical Irish College, is being seen as some as Dr Martin wanting to…
Michael Kelly
Chai Brady