The Superior General of the Missionary Society of St Columban has criticised the US withdrawal from the Paris Climate Agreement as “jeopardising” global efforts to prevent the destruction of the planet. Fr Kevin O’Neill SSC said the Columbans “stand against policies that negatively affect the communities we serve, our common home, and in particular the…

Christians are finding it increasingly difficult to share their faith in the workplace and even among family, according to the newly appointed Presbyterian Moderator. Rev. Dr Noble McNeely was officially installed as the new Moderator of the Presbyterian Church of Ireland (PCI) at a general assembly on Tuesday in Belfast. He told the congregation that…

An historic ruling by the Supreme Court against the prohibition on a right to work for asylum seekers has been welcomed as an opportunity to restore the dignity of those living in direct provision. Stephen Ng’ang’a, the coordinator of Core Group of Asylum Seekers, told The Irish Catholic the right to work would mean “asylum…

Archbishop Diarmuid Martin has defended the Sisters of Charity and believes there should be a voluntary component to the new National Maternity Hospital. This comes as the Sisters of Charity released a statement last month saying they intend to end their involvement in St Vincent’s Healthcare Group. There was criticism over the nuns’ involvement in…

The Church is “concerned” about a potential referendum on abortion in Ireland, but it will not influence the nature of the Pope’s planned visit next year. With a referendum on the issue becoming more likely Cardinal Kevin Farrell said that it is Pope Francis’ intention to come, and if it is not Pope Francis it…

An Irish cardinal has said the World Meeting of Families (WMOF) will “prepare couples for the reality of marriage”. There are also hopes it will rejuvenate the Church in Ireland. Cardinal Kevin Farrell returned to Dublin, his home city, for a keynote address at the beginning of a three-day conference attended by delegates from all…

The Pope has dubbed the latest attack on Coptic Christians in Egypt as “another act of ferocious violence”. The most recent religious terror attack in the country left 29 dead and about 25 wounded when a bus taking the Christians to a remote monastery was fired upon. The so-called Islamic State claimed responsibility for the…

Priest calls on Pope Francis to visit direct provision centre in Ireland Pope Francis has been called on to visit a direct provision centre during his expected visit to Ireland next year, in order to highlight the treatment of asylum seekers. Fr Paddy Byrne, a curate in Portlaoise parish who ministers to the residents of…

An Irish senator has hit out at critics who use Protestants as an excuse to get rid of the Angelus. David Norris spoke in a Seanad meeting last week saying that he strongly rejects claims that Protestants want to do away with the Angelus, dubbing it “political correctness gone mad”. “Protestants are used as a…

The Angelus aired in its current form has been described as “hogwash” and that it should be “more Christian”. Senator David Norris blasted the Angelus broadcast, which was revamped in 2009, as being disaffected of any Christian meaning. He added that some of the images equated to “old fellas doodling”. However Roger Childs, the Head…