The future of the Catholic faith in Ireland depends on whether we can create disciples, rather than just forming passive Mass-goers, Waterford and Lismore’s bishop has said. Speaking to The Irish Catholic about how the Church is now a “minority” in Ireland, Bishop Phonsie Cullinan said “mediocrity” or “lukewarmness” will not suffice in spreading the…
Claims by former President Mary McAleese that St John Paul II refused to shake hands with her when they first met are contradicted by eyewitness reports, The Irish Catholic can reveal. Speaking last week at an event hosted by the Irish American Partnership in Boston, Mrs McAleese said the then Pope John shook her husband…
Embodying what it means to be a role model, Tyrone woman Kate Grant has shaken headlines this week after being unveiled as an ambassador for a cosmetics giant. Hailing from Cookstown, Kate (20) who has Down syndrome, has modelled for other companies and was even crowned champion in the Teen Ultimate of the World pageant,…
The funeral for the hero-teacher who saved a young girl’s life was “heart-breaking” according to a priest and family friend who said she had inspired her pupils with an enthusiasm to help the homeless. The funeral Mass of Dawn Croke took place on Monday and was celebrated by Fr Pat Ward in Dungloe, Co. Donegal.…
Transparency and enforceability should be key to any review of Irish electoral law, Senator Ronan Mullen has said. Speaking to The Irish Catholic against the background of calls from the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission that the Electoral Act should be reviewed to prevent a “chilling effect” on the funding and activities of civil…
Young people are more likely to view Catholicism in a positive light compared to their parents, students in a Co. Louth school showcased in the RDS, Co. Dublin, have found. At the 55th BT Young Scientist and Technology exhibition last week thousands of students exhibited 550 projects under four categories: technology, biological and ecological, social…
A Jesuit philosopher has criticised the founder of the Association of Catholic Priests (ACP) for voting in favour of abortion. Referring to a recent blog post by Fr Tony Flannery in which he looked back to the referendum and referred to his own ‘Yes’ vote, Prof. Kevin O’Higgins SJ said on Twitter: “How a Catholic…
A significant milestone was marked in Belfast on Friday January 4 with a celebration to mark the 30th edition of the Le Chéile journal. Published by St Mary’s University College, Belfast the journal seeks to celebrate and promote the values and work of Catholic education across the North. Rev. Dr Niall Coll, Managing Editor of Le…
IC readers are split down the middle as to whether a Louth-based hospital named after Our Lady should drop its name given that it is now providing abortions. On the newspaper’s Facebook page, online users were asked: “There is controversy over the naming of Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Drogheda, Co. Louth. Some locals…
Ecumenism should be taken far more seriously, an Irish priest has urged, ahead of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. Speaking to The Irish Catholic, Fr Martin Browne OSB, a Benedictine monk based at Glenstal Abbey, Co. Limerick, and a member of the international group tasked by the Vatican and the World Council of…
Colm Fitzpatrick
Greg Daly
Chai Brady