Pope Francis has appointed leading educationalist and Cork priest Fr Tom Deenihan as the new Bishop of Meath. The announcement was made in a Vatican communique this morning (June 18). He will succeed Bishop Michael Smith who recently turned 78 and was Ireland’s longest-serving bishop having been appointed to the episcopal bench by St John…
Category: Irish News
Pope’s visit will ‘shine a light’ on two-tier Ireland
Bro. Kevin sees trip as a boost for the forgotten ChaiBrady and Colm Fitzpatrick The decision by Pope Francis to spend part of his trip to Ireland with homeless people will shed a light on those being left behind by the economic recovery, campaigners in the frontline have said. The Society of St Vincent de Paul…
Zappone criticised for overlooking stay-at-home parents
A speech by the Children’s Minister during the launch of plans to overhaul childcare funding has been said to ignore “the reality of life for many families”. Minister Katherine Zappone’s announcement of a 10-year plan to be handled by a new ‘Parenting and Family Unit Policy Unit’ in her department received criticism from Maria Steen…
Conscientious objectors should not be obliged to facilitate abortion – PLC
A pro-life group have pledged they will pressure legislators to make provisions for doctors to opt out of providing abortion on conscientious objection grounds, regardless of whether they are asked to facilitate abortions directly or indirectly. The Love Both campaign revealed at a press conference that they will be making a case for the law…
Archbishop isn’t ruling out papal visit to North
The Primate of All Ireland has said he isn’t “ruling out the possibility” of Pope Francis visiting the North of Ireland at some point in the future, and that it may have to be a “specific” visit. Speaking in Maynooth University on June 11, Archbishop of Armagh Eamonn Martin said there’s disappointment at the “level…
Funding shortfall highlighted as Carers Week is launched
Matthew Carlson Family carers in Ireland account for six million unpaid hours of work. This approximates to about €4 billion each year. According to Liam O’Sullivan, executive director of Care Alliance Ireland, their organisation has €10,000 less this year to use for initiatives to reach out to carers, and that more help from the Government…
An Post releases new stamps to commemorate anniversary of death of St Kevin
Matthew Carlson On May 31, An Post released a new stamp in honour of the 1,400-year anniversary of the death of St Kevin. St Kevin was an Irish saint, born in 498 in County Wicklow and played an instrumental part in the role of Christianity in Ireland and Europe. St Kevin reportedly died on June…
In brief
Partnership study to investigate adult Faith New research to be carried out over a three-year period hopes to provide a broad picture of current practice in adult religious education and faith community development in Ireland today. The research will be conducted in partnership with DCU’s Mater Dei Centre for Catholic Education and the Presentation Sisters. The announcement of a three-year…
IC readers reject baptism ban – poll
A vast majority of readers of The Irish Catholic believe that baptism should not be refused to the children of same-sex couples and that the Church should not reconsider this position. A poll carried out by this paper revealed that out of 670 votes, 81% of respondents believed that children should be baptised regardless of…
Freedom of conscience being ‘trampled’ – pro-life group
A prominent pro-life group has said that forcing GPs to participate in abortions that are unrelated to healthcare is an “extreme and unjust attack” of freedom of conscience and should be resisted at all costs. Pro Life Campaign spokesperson Dr Ruth Cullen said: “It is unconscionable for Minister Harris and the Government to compel doctors…