The Rector of Knock Shrine has said it is “fantastic” that Pope Francis blessed their new processional statue, set to be unveiled this month. The hand-crafted statue was blessed by the Pontiff during his general audience last Wednesday and will be shown publicly on August 21 as part of the 140th anniversary celebrations of the…

The Bishop of Derry has said there will always be attempts to “exploit tension”, after a flute band wore Parachute Regiment insignia during the annual Apprentice Boys march. The ‘Derry Day parade’ which took place over the weekend attracted up to 145 bands with 8,000 people taking part. Members of the Clydevalley Flute Band from…

Regardless of what results young people have received in their Leaving Cert exams this week, it’s important to remember that grades don’t define one’s worth, an Irish chaplain has said. Tens of thousands of students received their Leaving Certificate results on Tuesday and around 58,787 people are awaiting the release of CAO offers today. Speaking…

In response to the recent revival of interest in walking Ireland’s pilgrim paths the third annual pilgrim walk has been launched in Cashel, taking place from August 24-31. The five ancient routes which will be walked over this period are: St Finbarr’s Pilgrim Path, Co. Cork; Cnoc na dTobar, Co. Kerry; Cosán na Naomh, Co. Kerry; St Kevin’s Way,…

More than 150,000 people are set to descend on Knock for their annual Novena, with this year said to have special features as it celebrates 140 years since the Apparition. The novena began this week on Wednesday and featured a talk from former Taoiseach John Bruton. It runs from August 14-21 and includes speakers such…

The bishop of the Diocese of Elphin has criticised adults who facilitate underage drinking by giving or selling it to young people. Bishop Kevin Doran mentioned that a number of young people were drinking at a summer festival in Sligo over the weekend on the diocese’s Facebook page. He said: “The streets were full of…

Over 1,000 young people will descend on Kildare this weekend to celebrate one of Ireland’s biggest faith festivals. The Youth 2000 Summer festival – taking place in Clongowes Wood College from August 18-22 – will see young people gather to celebrate their Faith in a fun and vibrant way. “It’s the biggest, most exciting youth…

TV star Dog the Bounty Hunter has urged a thief who burglarised his deceased wife’s store to come forward, stressing his actions were unbiblical. Duane ‘Dog’ Chapman said he is willing to forgive the robber if they hand themselves in. His wife, Beth Chapman, last month died after a battle with cancer. Speaking at a…

Irish Catholics should anticipate more attacks on their local churches, a Tipperary-based priest has warned after Nazi swastikas were painted on his Catholic oratory. The warning comes on foot of three attacks on churches in the midlands as well as numerous other recent attacks on religious buildings and statues. Fr Michael Toomey told this newspaper…

Trócaire has dubbed parishes the “life-blood” of the charity after their annual report shows one of the strongest Christmas campaigns in their history. In their report for 2018/2019 the Church-charity raised €2.3 million during its Christmas appeal, a 10% increase on 2017. This was used to assist families affected by conflict in countries such as…