A Co. Laois-based priest who has been an outspoken supporter of asylum seekers has said that the coronavirus pandemic is having a severe effect on those living in direct provision. Fr Paddy Byrne, parish priest of Abbeyleix, told The Irish Catholic that he fears the current crisis is “severely challenging” for “vulnerable” families living in accommodation while…
A ‘pressure cooker’ environment is one of the main issues causing tension in the home that has been identified by Accord phone support lines. Since setting up their line in mid-April they have received calls from people with issues of pressure and stress caused by uncertainty around security of employment, the effect of the pandemic…
The Bishop of Limerick has urged the public to work together to overcome the growing “restlessness” with Covid-19 restrictions for the “common good”. Dr Brendan Leahy used sport as an example in his weekly homily to explain how all of us has “an impact on each other” when it comes to life and death. “A…
Irish sports star Ciara Mageean has said “Faith and family mean a lot to me” and that it is important people have something in their lives they can “look towards for that little bit of strength”. She said her Faith is part of who she is – something she drew from her grandmother who died…
Pope Francis has appealed to people not to allow life’s disappointments to paralyse them and cut them off. Leading the recitation of the traditional Eastertide Regina Coeli via video-link from his library, the Pope reflected on the Sunday Gospel of the disciples meeting Jesus on the road to Emmaus. “It is a story which begins…
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…
Chai Brady
Michael Kelly