Barrister and columnist Maria Steen has defended the papacy as being a “rock of stability” following criticism of Pope Leo by former President of Ireland Mary McAleese. Ms McAleese said in an article focusing on Pope Leo’s first 100 days as Pope that regarding the issue of women’s equality in the Church, Pope Leo “is…
The Cistercian monks of Mount Melleray have confirmed that discussions are underway with a “like-minded community” regarding the future use of the historic abbey. In a statement, Dom Rufus Pound OCSO, Superior of the Abbey of Our Lady of Silence, said that while many groups had expressed interest since the monks’ departure was announced in…
At Dublin Zoo, a passenger plane soared harmlessly overhead. For most visitors, it was a passing curiosity. But for a group of Ukrainian children, the sound was unbearable. They screamed, dropped to the ground, and hid in terror. “They were seized by unspeakable fear,” recalled Fr Vasyl Kornitsky, a Ukrainian Greek Catholic priest now serving…
Lough Derg has closed its traditional three-day pilgrimage season with a total of 4,040 pilgrims, up 11% from last year. Fr La Flynn, Prior of the pilgrimage island, attributed the increase in part to the Jubilee Year and the Pilgrim Passport initiative linking Lough Derg with Croagh Patrick and Knock. “One in five pilgrims this…
Dysart Catholic Church in south Co. Roscommon is welcoming visitors from overseas and around Ireland to take part in its celebration of 200 years of Catholic worship. The celebration will take place on Sunday, August 24 at 3:00pm, beginning with a Mass of Thanksgiving led by Bishop Kevin Doran. Following Mass and the unveiling of…
On Friday, August 15, exactly 60 years after the opening and blessing of the Holy Family Church Ardfinnan, Co. Tipperary, parishioners and clergy gathered to celebrate Mass and mark the anniversary. PP Fr Michael Toomey paid tribute to past and current parishioners in his homily: “Tonight is an occasion for us to give thanks to…
Catholic officers in the PSNI are more likely to come under investigation for misconduct than their Protestant colleagues, snapshot figures provided to the Policing Board show. While Catholics make up just over 32% of the police workforce, Data from the Professional Standards Department (PSD) reveal that they accounted for almost 42% of officers being investigated…
Changes to Mass readings will feature language that “is more inclusive” and will not leave out women like previous translations, according to an expert involved in the project. The new lectionary for Mass in Ireland will feature more inclusive language in its Scripture readings, and there are hopes it will “draw the faithful more deeply…
Fr John Murray who was savagely attacked hearing confessions in Downpatrick was recovering from illness after a stay in hospital and preparing to transfer from his parish having turned 75 – retirement age. In one of his final homilies as parish priest he encouraged the faithful to “Bring our anger to God, your frustrations. Bring…
“Maureen didn’t die with her family around her. She died alone, far from home, in circumstances that are now being questioned by those who loved her most. We need to ensure that vulnerable individuals and our family members are protected under Irish legislation,” said Aontú TD for Mayo, Paul Lawless, describing the tragic death of…
Chai Brady