Bishop condemns Westminster MPs undermining devolution   The vote by Westminster MPs aimed at imposing abortion on Northern Ireland if Stormont does not reconvene by October 21 has been described as an “inherently bad decision”, by the Bishop of Derry, Donal McKeown. The Westminster vote is uniting Christians of all denominations in protest at the…

While the date July 12 usually provokes fears about violence and sectarianism in the North of Ireland, a priest on the frontline has said this year was the “quietest ever”. Fr Gary Donegan CP, nationally renowned for his ongoing commitment to conflict resolution and peace building in the country, said that while there was some…

An Irish nun has been congratulated by the President of Ireland for decades of work in Pakistan, and for being awarded the highest honour of St Mary’s University, Twickenham in London. Hailing from Co. Clare, Sr Berchmans Conway (89) was presented with the Benedict Medal by the Archbishop of Westminster and Chancellor of St Mary’s…

As the world celebrates the anniversary of the moon landing people should remember the “gruesome” situation many migrants face along the Earth’s man-made borders, a leading theologian and academic has said. It was July 20, 1969 when Neil Armstrong became the first person to walk on the moon during the Apollo 11 mission. Prof. Eamonn…

A row has broken out between two leading scientists over whether science and religion are compatible.  Prof. David McConnell, Pro-Chancellor at Trinity College Dublin, a former lecturer in genetics, has said that science has “made it difficult for many people to believe in dogmatic religion”. The honorary president of the Humanist Association of Ireland wrote…

More evidence showing the reality of Christian persecution across the world allows for “meaningful dialogue” to take place, the head of Aid to the Church in Need, Ireland, has said. The comments come after UK Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt said that Christians are “the most persecuted group in modern times”. A new report examining Christian…

Extensive experience should give Ireland’s Capuchins grounds for ongoing hope, the new provincial of the Irish friars has said. Speaking in his closing address to the Irish Capuchins’ provincial chapter, Leitrim’s Fr Seán Kelly said while all those gathered at the Emmaus retreat centre in Swords, Co. Dublin, were fully aware of the order’s lack…

Bishop Liam McDaid, who has “blessed” people with his “wisdom, sense of humour and compassion”, marked 50 years of service in the priesthood over the weekend. Laity and clergy came from across the Diocese of Clogher to celebrate the Mass of Thanksgiving at St Macartan’s Cathedral on Sunday, July 14. Bishop McDaid, from Bundoran, Co.…

The goal of legendary comedian Brendan Grace was to “lift the gloom of the nation” and the people who came to see him, Fr Brian D’Arcy said at the funeral of the national treasure. The Irish star who died aged 68 following a short illness was best known for his role as Fr Fintan Stack…

Martyrs are a source of inspiration for Christians who are being called to “stand up for their Faith” in times of adversity, Archbishop Eamon Martin has said. Speaking about the unveiling of the St Oliver Plunkett statue in honour of martyrs in St Patrick’s Cathedral, Armagh,  Dr Martin told The Irish Catholic that the saint…