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…
Senator and psychotherapist sound alarm on threat to faith and family The new Social, Personal and Health Education (SPHE) curriculum, recently rolled out by the Department of Education, has prompted a wave of concern among parents, teachers, and Catholic commentators, who fear that the programme undermines parental rights and introduces children to confusing and…
The national Pro Life Campaign (PLC) hosted their annual fundraising dinner for 600 people on September 20 in Dublin. The dinner, titled Ceiliúradh Cois Life, took place in the Clayton Hotel and featured a reception which included drinks and dancing, a live band and a raffle. Éamon Ó Cuív, former Cabinet Minister and TD for…
“My aunt, my mother’s sister, was [a] Sister of Mercy,” Pope Leo XIV revealed in a letter sent recently to the Mercy Sisters in Ireland. In the letter, he called himself “a devoted follower” of Bl. Catherine McAuley. And the Sisters are quietly hoping that the Pope’s affection for their charism might help push on…
A new book on the priesthood, Priesthood Today, is set to be launched on October 22, the feast of St John Paul II, at St Patrick’s College, Maynooth. The volume, edited by Bishop Phonsie Cullinan of Waterford and Lismore and Chair of the Council of Vocations, brings together essays from priests, religious, and lay people…
Under a Facebook post by The Irish Times on September 21, the public gave their opinions on secular ‘non-Communions’, the subject of a story written by Rachel O’Dwyer for The Irish Times. The story, which focused on the growing desire of non-practising Catholics to include their children in First Communion ceremonies because they feel “left…
The Traveller community has reached an important milestone in pastoral care and theological education, with Richard O’Brien of Kilarney, Co. Kerry, becoming one of the first Irish Travellers to be accredited as a Catholic Chaplain. “I was surprised to hear I was the first Traveller to become a chaplain, because it is such a faithful…
In a time filled with doubt and unanswered questions, Fr Darren Brennan of St Paul’s Parish in Belfast is offering up his time to provide a unique perspective on any problems and questions that Catholics may have. The ‘Ask A Priest’ event, taking place on Monday, September 6 at St Paul’s Parish Centre, will be…
The Irish Dominican Friars invited men aged 18 and above to join them for the Jubilee Camino Men’s Walk on September 13. Two priests, two brothers, and 40 men took part, walking 20 kilometres from a Dominican Abbey ruin in Carlingford to St Catherine’s Dominican Church in Newry. One pilgrim who took part described it…
Renata Steffens