A Tipperary priest has criticised the “national problem” of the lack of mental health support during a visit to his county by the Minister for Mental Health this week. Clonmel’s Fr Michael Toomey is on the frontline when it comes to suicide, and said that since a meeting with the Department of Health in June…
Claire Fitzpatrick A prominent Catholic journalist praised Pope Francis’ visit to Ireland last year and how he dealt with the sex abuse scandals. There was sharp criticism of some aspects of the Pope’s visit when it came to abuse, including the fact that organisers cast doubt on whether or not he would meet with survivors.…
Exclusive Radical plan will see Masses cut by 1/3 Unveiling a new plan that will see Masses cut in a bid to enliven congregations and enhance liturgy, Bishop Dermot Farrell has said that the vocations crisis is really a crisis of faith that will not be solved by making celibacy optional. Speaking exclusively to The…
The women’s confraternity at Clonard Monastery in west Belfast is to close after more than 120 years. The 122-year-old Belfast association, which drew thousands of members when it was set up in July 1897, will meet for the final time on November 24 with a closing Mass. Fr Peter Burns, Rector of Clonard, said the…
Moves to produce hate crime legislation have been likened to new “secular blasphemy laws”, which threaten freedom of speech, according to a Tipperary TD. Mattie McGrath spoke to The Irish Catholic after he made comments criticising legislation regarding hate speech in the Dáil last week. During a debate on Blasphemy (Abolition of Offences and Related…
Three fourths of Facebook readers say they would oppose moves to open up the diaconate to women. While Pope Francis is reportedly considering the idea of allowing women to become permanent deacons only 25% of readers in a poll on the IC Facebook page said they would agree. Permanent male deacons are now a feature…
Boris Johnson has shown “contempt” for the people of Northern Ireland after pledging to protect British veterans from prosecution, according to a priest based in Fermanagh. Under the proposals the Conservative party would amend the Human Rights Act so that it wouldn’t apply to issues such as killings during the Troubles. This was announced on…
Landlords are “destroying” prospects for young people who are hoping to get married but can barely afford rent, according to the founder of the Capuchin Day Centre. With the World Day of the Poor on Sunday, established by Pope Francis three years ago, Bro. Kevin said the situation for the poor in Ireland “is appalling”…
Sightsavers Ireland used a November 7 event in Dublin to introduce their inclusive education programme to corporate and major donors. Speakers including Salimata Bocoum the country director for Senegal and Dr Sinead Kane ambassador for Sightsavers Ireland spoke about the importance of education and inclusion to a full house on the night. Sightsavers launched an inclusive education project in…
Graduates of Theology, Philosophy and Education were urged to spread the Good News and find a “shared vision of lasting peace” in a society struggling with issues and questions regarding human trafficking, direct provision, migration, gangland violence and more. The 230 people that graduated on Saturday from St Patrick’s College, Maynooth, were conferred the academic…
Chai Brady