Archbishop Eamon Martin and Archbishop Richard Clarke have appealed to Christians to “pray for five people” in the days around Ascension Sunday and Pentecost Sunday as part of the ‘Thy Kingdom Come’ global prayer movement. “This means praying intentionally for five people, but not necessarily those we instinctively pray for on a regular basis,” they…
Staff reporter Faith is the most important part of hockey star Elena Tice’s life, the Irish international and UCD student has said. The 21-year-old, who has won almost 100 caps for Ireland and who last year helped Ireland towards a silver medal in the hockey world cup, has said her Christian faith matters far…
A priest has said his parishioners will be “delighted” when the US president arrives in Ireland next month. The comments come after the White House confirmed Donald Trump is to visit Ireland on June 5, and is expected to stay at his golf resort in Clare during his stay. Fr Joe Haugh of Doonbeg parish…
Parishioners “must be heard” in any future Church-State talks particularly regarding the future of Catholic schools, two leading Irish theologians have said. The call comes after the Irish bishops confirmed they will be discussing the Taoiseach’s proposed “new covenant” between faith groups and secular society planned for July 4. Despite a commitment to divestment from…
Religious and non-religious people share more than common stereotypes might suggest, according to a major study presented at the Vatican this week. “Our data directly counter common stereotypes about unbelievers,” Dr Jon Lanham of Queen’s University Belfast said of the Understanding Unbelief programme, which mapped the diversity of unbelief across Brazil, China, Denmark, Japan, the…
The Pro Life Campaign has marked the anniversary of abortion legislating being brought into Ireland with a nationwide billboard campaign, launched today. The billboards show an image of a mother and a baby with the words ‘Support pregnant women and new mothers. Let’s find a better way than abortion’. On May 25 it will have…
Anti-drugs campaigner warns of the imminent danger and says that hash ‘makes people paranoid’ “Cannabis is the most dangerous drug of all” and should not be legalised, according to Sr Consilio, the founder of Cuan Mhuire, which has treated thousands of substances abusers over the past 52 years. She has seen the effects of…
Colm Fitzpatrick and Susan Gately Knock Marriage Introductions was a service of its time, and “has served its time”, according to director Fr Stephen Farragher. The priest from the Tuam archdiocese who took over as director two years ago announced the closure of the service which brought about 960 weddings in its 51-year history. Speaking to The…
After a call for help by a priest, a homeless family in Tipperary have praised parishioners for the “great support” and offers of accommodation they have received. Fr Michael Toomey of Clonmel issued the plea at Mass over the weekend and received the first offer of a possible house within the hour. The priest stated…
People must consider the implications of the divorce referendum which seeks to speed up the dissolution of marriage, according to the Catholic bishops. “Marriage is essential and fundamental for the good of society worldwide,” said Bishop Denis Nulty, chair of the Council for Marriage & Family. “The objective of the proposed referendum is not to…
Susan Gately
Colm Fitzpatrick
Chai Brady
Greg Daly