Hundreds of school students took part in a “fun and Faith-filled” concert in the Helix on Dublin City University’s campus, with the last of four nights being cancelled due the coronavirus (Covid-19), due to the guidelines issued by Government. This was the 14th Emmanuel concert, with 20,000 school students taking part over the years. The…
Church bells ring around Waterford for prayer and solidarity Bells were rung in churches throughout Co. Waterford on St Patrick’s Day as a call to prayer and social solidarity. The Bishop of Waterford and Lismore Phonsie Cullinan dedicated the prayers to those affected by the coronavirus (Covid-19) and asked Our Lady to “intercede for us”.…
The courage, bravery and spirit of St Patrick is needed in Ireland to fight the coronavirus (Covid-19), according to the Bishop of Ossory who has dubbed it a “modern plague”. In a homily delivered on St Patricks Day, Bishop Dermot Farrell of Ossory said despite enduring a “torrid time”, St Patrick did not give in…
The Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes has closed for the first time in over a century following new restrictions in France to slow the spread of the coronavirus (Covid-19). “For the first time in its history, the sanctuary will close its doors for a while. Pray with us the novena to the Immaculate,” Msgr…
Churches around Ireland are to sound their bells across the country today, St Patrick’s Day as most Masses remain suspended over fears around coronavirus. The Government announced last week that public celebration of the country’s patron saint would not take place this year and most public Masses are not going ahead – the first time…
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…
Chai Brady
Michael Kelly