Irish people must hold their newly-elected leaders to account and make sure the crisis in Irish healthcare is tackled in order to stop sick children and the elderly “left waiting and exasperated”, according to Archbishop of Dublin Diarmuid Martin. Speaking on the World Day of the Sick on Sunday, the archbishop commended doctors, nurses and…
Archbishop says plan must proceed slowly with consideration Archbishop Eamon Martin has said that politicians must work towards a poll on Irish unification, but that this is something which must proceed slowly and with all voices considered. Speaking to The Irish Catholic about Britain’s departure from the European Union (EU) at the weekend, Archbishop…
Singing and dancing priest Fr Ray Kelly said if he was chosen for the Eurovision the song he entered could be a winner for Ireland. Fifty years on from Irish singer Dana Rosemary Scallon’s win with the song ‘All Kinds of Everything’ in 1970, Meath-based Fr Kelly said he would be “shocked and amazed” to be…
Gary Lightbody from Snow Patrol encouraged people to see each other as equals at a Christian festival in Belfast last Friday. The Northern Irish singer [pictured] from Bangor said “I think that whether we see it or not we all have a bond with each other and a lot of that is to do with…
The decision by Mary Immaculate College (MIC) in Limerick to reject a course in Christian ethics has been dubbed “deeply regrettable” by outgoing Tipperary TD Mattie McGrath. A programme was developed and submitted to the college authorities after academics in MIC were approached by hospital chaplains who asked for professional training to deal with difficult…
The religious way of life could disappear in the Diocese of Ossory within a generation if “radical action” is taken according to the Bishop Dermot Farrell. In a homily for the World Day of Consecrated life on Sunday, Bishop Farrell told the congregation in St Mary’s Cathedral in Kilkenny that “bold decisions must be taken…
A veteran religious writer has applied for Irish citizenship after renouncing his UK citizenship this week in protest at Britain leaving the European Union (EU). Scotland born John Cooney holds the distinction of being the only journalist who has been the Religious Affairs Correspondent of the Irish Times and the Irish Independent. His books include…
St Kevin’s Church in Dublin celebrated the beginning of its life as an Oratory at the weekend, more than 160 years after St John Henry Newman wanted to found one in the capital. Archbishop Diarmuid Martin has given his approval on a trial basis which is expected to last for three years and celebrations marked…
The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) has opened a recruitment campaign this week which bids to increase its number of Catholic officers. The PSNI is looking for 600 trainees to reach full complement and address the under-representation of Catholics in the force. At present only 32% of the 6,848 police officers in Northern Ireland…
The Carmelite sisters in Loughrea, Co. Galway are set to leave the town after a presence of over 300 years. Like many other religious communities, the sisters have struggled to attract new vocations in recent years and the age prpfile of the sisters is older. As a result, their prayerful presence in the community will…
Chai Brady