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…

Catholics who are suffering from or caring for people with the coronavirus will be granted a plenary indulgence, the Vatican has announced. Pope Francis revealed at the weekend that he will deliver an extraordinary Urbi et Orbi blessing this Friday (March 27) at 5pm Irish time. Usually given only immediately after a new Pope’s election…

Chai
 Brady
 and

 Aron
 Hegarty   A third of people watching television in Ireland on Sunday at 11am were watching Mass according to RTÉ’s Head of Religious Programmes, with the number of viewers rising substantially. Over 160,000 people tuned in to Mass celebrated by Fr Gabriel Kinahan on March 22 as the coronavirus (Covid-19) continues…

Covid-19: The Faithful respond   Although the work of healthcare chaplains is generally face-to-face, “listening compassionately, connecting immediately and loving unconditionally”, the Director of Pastoral Care in Tallaght Hospital told The Irish Catholic they have updated how they connect with patients in light of the coronavirus crisis. They will now be giving patients the option…

Covid-19: The Faithful respond   In Cobh parish they have been receiving Mass via Facebook Live every morning at 9am. On Sunday Bishop William Crean of the Diocese of Cloyne celebrated Mass with Cobh’s clergy. Jennifer Buckley of Cobh Parish said: “Our musical director Dominic Finn and Cantor Patrick O’ Donoghue played and sang from…

A Northern Irish priest has paid tribute to the late American singer Kenny Rogers as a man who “found his Faith” and “made his peace” for mistakes made earlier in his career. Fr Brian D’Arcy, a Passionist priest based in Co. Down, said the late Rogers, who died on March 20 aged 81, embarked on…