ChaiBrady,Róise McGagh and
 Aron Hegarty   Irish churches plan on staying open as places of prayer during the coronavirus scare, so long as authorities permit it. It comes as Pope Francis pleaded for churches to remain open for people. Bishop of Waterford and Lismore Dr Phonsie Cullinan told The Irish Catholic that it is important…

The publisher of Columba books and The Irish Catholic has offered free books and e-books to parishes, so that parishioners can engage in spiritual reading while Masses around the country are disrupted during Lent. “‘Beautiful books to lift your spirit’ is our motto and if ever people needed a lift it is now,” says publisher…

The Bishop of Ossory has called on people not to be fooled by “lies or rumours” regarding the coronavirus (Covid-19), at a time when several Government bodies have warned people of disinformation circulating on social media. In a homily over the weekend Bishop Dermot Farrell encouraged the Faithful to keep their hope and that “lies…

Bishop Phonsie Cullinan is sending a message of hope out to Irish people as many parishioner’s self-isolate in the wake of Covid 19 He has been making a video every day since March 13 on the Facebook page of Waterford and Lismore diocese. Each video contains a message of hope for his diocese. “This is…

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…