Category: Irish News

Candlelight and prayers for St Bernadette

The Relics of St Bernadette are still travelling around Ireland and arrived at Down and Connor Diocese this week. To mark the moment, parishioners of St Mary’s Church, Chapel Lane, Belfast had a Marian Candlelit Procession on Tuesday, October 15. All ceremonies with the relics were livestreamed via St Mary’s webcam. Speaking to The Irish…

St Bernadette’s relics tour continues

The relics of St Bernadette have toured the dioceses of Clogher, Raphoe, Down and Connor, and Derry over recent weeks, drawing large numbers of Irish pilgrims. This unique visit offers the faithful an opportunity for a profound spiritual encounter with the saint known for her visions of the Virgin Mary in Lourdes, France. St Bernadette…

New lay ministry course available in Co. Laois

The Diocese of Kildare and Leighlin is inviting people to step forward and subscribe to the new Lay Pastoral Ministers programme. The programme is a two-year level 7 diploma course, which will prepare the laity to undertake significant roles in their parishes and pastoral areas. The course offers part-time lessons and will be held over six weekends…

Mixed response to bishops’ letter on immigration

The bishops’ recently published advisory letter on immigration has provoked mixed responses, with Director of the Jesuit Centre for Faith and Justice Dr Kevin Hargaden praising the bishops for issuing “a very strong word against the fear-based politics that have been developing in the nation”, while Dr Gerard Casey, a Catholic academic, was critical of…

Parish centre nominated for all-island award

The Priorswood Parish Centre was selected as one of five Dublin nominees for the all-island Pride of Place Award. “It’s a bit of a shock that we were nominated for this, but we are thrilled, absolutely thrilled,” said Ann Tormey, chairperson for the Parish Centre. The competition focus “is about people coming together to shape,…