EXCLUSIVE   A martyred former student of the Irish College has been hailed as a modern example of Christian faith in action, and an important reminder of how religious freedom remains threatened across the world. Former President Mary McAleese has described Fr Ragheed Ganni [pictured], who was murdered along with three sub-deacons by Islamist militants…

Irish missionaries based in turbulent Hong Kong are split on whether the military will take to the streets once more as fears of intervention from mainland China grow. Hong Kong has been wracked by increasingly violent mass protests for several months, with millions taking part. Irish Columban Fr Michael Cuddigan SSC told The Irish Catholic:…

A large group of devotees of Little Nellie of Holy God have been refused access to her grave in Cork by a security firm engaged by new owners of the land. A tense stand-off between security guards and pilgrims occured over the weekend, resulting in gardaí being called to the scene. About 100 people attended…

Foreign Minister Simon Coveney has been accused of “speaking out of both sides of his mouth” after claiming that Christians in the Middle East have asked the Government not to speak up in their defence. Responding to a letter from Senator Neale Richmond about the persecution of Christians in the Middle East and North Africa,…

Housing scarcity and expensive rents have forced Dublin’s Capuchin’s Day Centre to provide “day-to-day” essentials for children and babies. Speaking in the centre on Monday to commemorate the one-year anniversary of Pope Francis’ visit to Ireland, its founder Bro. Kevin Crowley OFM Cap. said the welfare of families is a priority, but that the provision…

A Scottish parish is praying for one of its young footballers who has just signed on to a premiere league team in a record-breaking deal. St Brendan’s Church, Motherwell, congratulated Kieran Tierney who earlier this month transferred from boyhood club Celtic FC to Arsenal for £25 million (€22.5mil). The parish said they hope the 22-year-old…

The witness of good priests is the best form of vocational promotion, Bishop Phonsie Cullinan has said. Writing for The Irish Catholic, the Bishop of Waterford and Lismore, who chairs the Irish Bishops’ Vocations Council, said that while more direct forms of vocational promotion are important, nothing rivals encountering committed clergy living their vocations in…

Cloyne’s Bishop William Crean has praised Irish missionaries for having raised awareness of the plight of people around the world affected by climate change. Speaking at a Mass to mark the centenary of St Colman’s Cathedral in Cobh, Bishop Crean said it was important to “remember with gratitude to God the outstanding contribution of the…

There is a lot of scope for people with intellectual disabilities to be “marginalised”, a leader of a parish group has said in light of reports of mistreatment in a Belfast hospital. Leader of Spred (Special Religious Education) in Holy Rosary Parish in Belfast, Grainne McMacken, said that she was aware of the situation regarding…

The grave of a Co. Tyrone poet who died two centuries ago is to be given a long-awaited headstone next month. Strabane-native John McCrossan – also known as the Evish Bard – has lay in an unmarked grave since his death in 1895. Around 100 members of his family from around the world will meet…