With this year’s plenary gathering of the Council of the Bishops’ Conferences of Europe being held in Poland, solidarity seemed an obvious theme, alluding as it did to the trade union founded by Lech Walesa in 1980 that was crucial in bringing about the end of communist rule in Eastern Europe. “The theme of solidarity…
The Government should explain whether it believes it ought to be legal to publish anything at all of a blasphemous nature, a former attorney general has said. Speaking in a debate in the Seanad about next month’s referendum on repealing the constitutional ban on blasphemy, Senator Michael McDowell said that rather than simply repealing the…
There has been a “great increase” in attacks and kidnapping of missionaries by radical Islamists and poverty-stricken youths over the last 20 years, the Irish-born Superior General of the Society of African Missions (SMA) has said. This comes as an Italian missionary of the order was kidnapped last week in southwest Niger by an armed…
Despite ongoing deadlock in Stormont blocking a new suicide prevention plan, a specialist priest has said anyone “who is struggling” will be supported. Fermanagh-based Fr Cathal Deery, who trains clergy and chaplains in dealing with suicide, admitted it is “frustrating” that the Protect Life 2 strategy could not be implemented as it needs to be…
A free online course developed by Trinity College Dublin will allow learners worldwide to explore the history of Ireland through the Book of Kells. The new four-week online course will help people to learn more about the manuscript and begins on October 8. Called ‘The Book of Kells: Exploring an Irish Medieval Masterpiece’ it is…
Priests should challenge parish Priests must challenge parishioners if they want to make the Mass relevant to their lives and prompt them to delve deeper into their Faith. Irish religious and lay-catechists have called for homilies to be “more accessible” and really connect with people if they’re to make an impact. Speaking about the…
Pope Francis’ visit to Ireland showed the need for the Church to hear angry voices as well as joyful ones, England’s leading cleric has said. Speaking in Poznan, Poland, at a meeting of European bishops, Westminster’s Cardinal Vincent Nichols said the Pope’s Irish visit had been “remarkable” and “unlike any other papal visit in my…
Some say that showbusiness is just fun and games, but for award-winning actor and iconic role model, Mark Wahlberg, it’s not all glitz and glam. Last week, Wahlberg posted an Instagram story of his full day that would put some monks to shame, as he wakes up at 2.30am, prays for half an hour, and…
Students raised in religious homes are more likely to succeed, regardless of whether they went to a faith school or a not, a new study has found. Research by the UCL Institute of Education found that pupils from Catholic and Church of England families did well due to their upbringing, rather than because of the…
A new pro-life Poster Campaign aims to ensure legislation regarding abortion in the North of Ireland (NI) will be dealt with by Stormont rather than in Westminster, with campaigners saying “the battle is on”. Churches across NI will be contacted by Precious Life who hope they will encourage parishioners to send the group’s postcards to…
Greg Daly
Chai Brady
Colm Fitzpatrick