Diocese of Meath recently hosted four training sessions across the diocese to introduce members of Parish Pastoral Councils (PPCs) to the practice of ‘Conversation in the Spirit’ — a core methodology of the Church’s synodal journey. Organised by the Diocesan Synodal Team and facilitated by trained leaders who completed the Irish Synodal Pathway’s Facilitative Leadership…
Category: Irish News
1700th anniversary of the Creed
Frank Duff, founder of the Legion of Mary once wrote, “Prayer is a communication with God. It must carry with it our mind, and in our mind a realisation of the great doctrines in which God reveals Himself to us and which make prayer meaningful”. This insight of the greatest evangeliser of the 20th century…
Number of baptised children making First Holy Communion is in decline
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…
Pope tells Catholic teachers to be ‘models of faith’
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…
St Oliver ‘was completely aware of his call to martyrdom’
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…
‘Praying gives people courage’, Pioneers Association president
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…
Late Bro. Kevin strongly challenged Govt on poverty – religious campaigners
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…
Crosscare and DePaul warn of homelessness among asylum-seekers
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…
Govt to investigate all schools in abuse inquiry
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 appoints Bishop Leahy to Vatican role on interreligious dialogue
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…




Chai Brady
Renata Steffens





