The awakening of Ireland’s Catholic identity The flame of faith in Ireland was enkindled once more during the recent National Eucharistic Procession, which took place in Athlone on 16 March. Nearly 2,000 people gathered for the event, according to the organising team. “Don’t you feel a renewed hope and optimism within the faithful Catholic community…
“Thirty years ago, the secularisation thesis taught us that religion was heading toward museum piece status in the West. That thesis has not aged well, Dr Anna Rowlands has said, adding “religion is far from a museum piece and continues to exist, in evolving forms, as a complex, multi-layered and dynamic reality in our current…
The national launch of the ‘Ministry of Catechist’ is expected this September with a six-month preparation phase before candidates enter formal formation in 2026, The Irish Catholic has learned. Dr Alexander O’Hara, who was the National Director for Catechetics until a few weeks ago told The Irish Catholic the role is a formal lay ministry…
The snakes have returned to Ireland—at least, that’s the concern raised by Fr Patrick Moore, who sees An Post’s latest St Patrick’s Day stamp design as a troubling sign of the country’s increasing secularisation. In a letter to The Irish Catholic, Fr Moore PP of Castlepollard, Co. Westmeath, lamented that despite St Patrick famously driving…
To mark International Women’s Day on March 8, the An Post launched two new special stamps celebrating the achievements of women in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math). In Ireland, women still only represent 25% of STEM jobs according to data from the OECD, 2018. The two Irish scientists featured in the stamps are the…
Dublin Diocese has recently seen 80 catechumens being elected for the Easter sacraments. Archbishop Dermot Farrell, who witnessed this occasion on Sunday, March 9, shared his joy at the growing number of individuals seeking to deepen their faith. During his homily, the archbishop expressed that this is a sign of hope for the Church in…
The gathering featured various speakers to encourage participation and spread awareness. Fr Marius O’Reilly, who introduced the program, recalled over 10,000 attendees in the past two years and jokingly set a bold goal of 2 million for this year. The event began with the Rosary, led by Fr Pat Lombard, followed by an introduction from…
Lent began last week, with many gathering to celebrate the Catholic Faith on Ash Wednesday. Starting the 40-days journey not only with Mass, but also with priests going to the streets to meet the faithful. Queen’s University Belfast gathered over 2,000 people (students, staff and friends) across three Masses celebrated on Ash Wednesday. Fr John…
Baroness Nuala O’Loan has said that religious orders could help parishes and dioceses by selling assets to financially support evangelisation. She said that some people find strength during difficult times by simply sitting in a church or taking part in community activities. However, maintaining those churches and resources open can be a financial difficulty to…
Eighty adults from different backgrounds were welcomed to the Catholic Faith at the Rite of Election in the Pro Cathedral with Archbishop Dermot Farrell of Dublin on March 9. Dublin diocese witnessed an increase of 100% from the 40 catechumens elected in 2024. “Something is happening in Dublin diocese as more young people want to…
Renata Milán Morales
Chai Brady
Renata Steffens