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…
Conscientious objection in three hospitals has been cited as stopping the full rollout of abortion services in Ireland. According to a Freedom of Information request received by the Journal.ie, Letterkenny University Hospital, Sligo University Hospital and Wexford General Hospital each have issues with providing full services due to staff conscientiously objecting. Correspondence outlining abortion provision…
Madison Duddy and Colm Fitzpatrick Bishop-elect Michael Duignan has said he was “shocked” when Pope Francis appointed him as the next bishop of Clonfert, but felt “called to stay and do the Lord’s work”. It was announced on Tuesday that the Elphin priest had been given the role, taking the reins from now-retired Bishop John…
EXCLUSIVE Ireland could be set to have 42 more martyrs recognised by the Church in the near future, with Archbishop Eamon Martin revealing that the process of readying their causes for submission to Rome is at “an advanced stage”. Speaking to The Irish Catholic at Drogheda’s annual celebration of St Oliver Plunkett, Archbishop Martin…
The Archbishop of Dublin raised the “challenges faced by parents of children with autism” during closed Government talks last week. The plenary meeting of the Church-State dialogue included 28 representatives of Churches, Faith Communities and Non-Confessional Organisations. According to the Archdiocese of Dublin their delegates “spoke on respect for and protection of the specific contribution…
In a surprising move at the end of last month, Pope Francis gave relics attributed to St Peter the Apostle to the Orthodox Church. While the gesture was widely praised, some observers have suggested it was inappropriate given the centrality of Rome for Catholics, and so the natural and only location for the first Pope’s…
Colm Fitzpatrick
Greg Daly
Chai Brady