The percentage of baptised children making First Communion and Confirmation is declining, with one diocese putting the figure as high as almost one in three not receiving these Sacraments. The Secretary General of the Catholic Primary School Management Association (CPSMA) Seamus Mulconry confirmed to The Irish Catholic that there has been an “an increase” in…

Addressing a delegation of teachers and educationalists from Ireland, Scotland, England and Wales last weekend, Pope Leo XIV told the teachers, “Children will look up to you as models of faith, particularly in how you teach and live.” The audience in the Vatican took place during the teachers’ pilgrimage to Rome to share experiences and reflect…

By Marion Hausmann The 400th anniversary celebration of the birth of St Oliver Plunkett, who was martyred for his faith in 1681, took place last Sunday at his national shrine in Armagh, following the procession of his holy relics through Drogheda led by the Archbishop of Armagh, Dr Eamon Martin. “He lived, and died, by…

The Pioneer Total Abstinence Association (PTAA) are preparing for their annual pilgrimage to Knock taking place on July 20. The Association’s President, Frances Egan said praying for those experiencing troubles with alcohol “gives them great courage in their time of distress and hassle.” “I think it’s very important that we do let people know that the Pioneer Associations are still…

Leading Irish religious figures have paid tribute to Bro. Kevin Crowley OFM Cap., founder of the Capuchin Day Centre, describing him as a fearless advocate for the poor who was unafraid to criticise Government policy and challenge societal indifference. Bro. Kevin, who died last week aged 90, was remembered by fellow founders of major faith-based…

By Marion Hausmann The heads of Crosscare and DePaul, two Catholic agencies providing services to those seeking asylum in Ireland, have sent a joint letter to the Ministers for Housing and Justice demanding better action be taken to prevent homelessness among asylum-seekers. This comes in response to the Department of Justice moving people out of…

The Government is to establish a Commission of Investigation into historical allegations of sexual abuse in schools across the country. The investigation will cover all types of schools, not just those under Catholic religious patronage. Details were confirmed by Minister for Education Helen McEntee following Cabinet approval on Tuesday. The move follows a scoping inquiry…

Pope Leo has appointed Bishop Brendan Leahy of Limerick to the Vatican’s Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue, a department tasked with fostering relationships between the Catholic Church and other religions. Bishop Leahy, who will continue his role in Limerick, has long been active in this field through the Irish Catholic Bishops’ Conference and his theological writings…

Thousands marched through the heart of Dublin last Saturday in the annual Rally for Life. Attendees came from all over Ireland and beyond to show their support for mothers, unborn children, and for a renewal of a culture of life. From Parnell Square to Custom House Quay, the people marched with bright red placards with…

Attempts by Government to push religious orders to pay millions in redress to people affected by mother and baby homes has been described as a “form of extortion”, by Senator Ronan Mullen. Seven Catholic bodies have been asked to contribute more than a quarter of a billion euro to a redress scheme being set up…