Priests across the country are taking the late Pope Francis’ call to “be shepherds with the smell of sheep” literally as blessing of pets take place on Saturday, October 4 and Sunday, October 5 in celebration of the feast day of St Francis of Assisi. At Knock Shrine, the annual blessing of pets is scheduled…

“My Irish mother’s faith was like a burning torch” that lit the darkness around a dysfunctional household, said Catholic deacon who is releasing a memoir about mental health, trauma and faith on October 13. Sean Loone, a Catholic deacon in the Archdiocese of Birmingham, England wrote A Million Reasons to Be Angry – Only One…

Dr Martin Mansergh, who has died aged 78, has been hailed for his key role in the peace process. Former editor of The Irish Catholic – for which Dr Mansergh was a columnist for many years – Michael Kelly said “it is not an exaggeration to say there would not be a peace process without…

Cardinal Mario Grech has called on the Church to create more spaces where young people can speak and be truly listened to, saying that their voices may carry the promptings of the Holy Spirit. Speaking with The Irish Catholic during his visit to Dublin last week, the secretary general of the Synod of Bishops said:…

“It was horrendous… the idea that some of my colleagues could do such awful things shattered me. That was probably the only time I ever considered giving up,” said Auxiliary Bishop of Dublin Donal Roche, recalling the painful years when revelations of clerical child abuse came to light in the 1990s. Speaking at the monthly…

Five men were ordained to the permanent diaconate on Sunday, September 28 by Archbishop Eamon Martin. The ordinations took place at the Cathedral of St Patrick and St Colman in Newry. Four of the new deacons will serve in the Diocese of Dromore, including Seán Farrel from Tulylish Parish, Patrick Gallagher from Craigavon Parish, Daniel…

“There has always been an amazing amount of solidarity in Northern Ireland for our work to support those in the Global South,” said Peter Heaney, Trócaire’s Head of Region for Northern Ireland, as the Catholic aid agency opened its new Belfast office on Berry Street. Bishop Alan McGuckin of Down and Connor joined the Trócaire…

Thirteen men have taken their first steps towards the priesthood this year—despite the pressures, demands, and challenges of answering such a call. Fr Willie Purcell, the Church’s National Vocations Coordinator, said priesthood today is “challenging and rewarding” as Ireland’s bishops confirmed the new seminarians are beginning their Propaedeutic Year—the first of four stages of formation. Their arrival brings…

Fr Richard Gibbons, rector of Ireland’s Knock Shrine, was invited to attend the unveiling of a mural depicting the Knock apparition at St Patrick’s Cathedral in New York City on September 21. The mural, which has been in works for around 15 years, originated from an idea of American prelate,  Cardinal Timothy Dolan, and was…

Seven is a special number for Catholics. We celebrate seven sacraments, avoid seven deadly sins, try to do the seven corporal works of mercy (or some of them at least!). Seven is a special age also. Children who reach the age of seven are said to become reasonable (though parents might not agree!). But no…