Permanent Deacons from across the globe gathered in Rome from February 21 to 23 for the Jubilee of Deacons. Among the Irish representatives were Msgr La Flynn and Deacon Martin Donnelly from Lough Derg, who in 2025 are celebrating their 50th and 7th anniversary of ordination to permanent diaconate respectively. Speaking to The Irish Catholic,…
Category: Irish News
Prominent human rights priest dies
The death has occurred of a much-loved priest who won plaudits for his work exposing the mistreatment of prisoners and abuses by the security forces during the troubles. Msgr Raymond Murray, who was in his late 80s, also published books including with his clerical colleagues Msgr Denis Faul, who died some years ago. Fr Murray…
All Ireland prays for Pope Francis
The Standing Committee of the Irish Catholic Bishops’ Conference has recently released a message to the faithful, encouraging them to unite in daily prayer of the Rosary after their gathering in the Columba Centre of St Patrick’s Pontifical College, Maynooth. The prayer will being broadcasted every evening from St Peter’s Square at 8pm (Ireland time),…
Pioneers invite faithful to take the pledge for Lent
Ash Wednesday falls on March 5 this year, marking the start of Lent. The Pioneers, inspired by Pope Francis’ 2025 Lenten message, are encouraging people to “journey in hope together.” In his message, the Holy Father challenges the faithful to step outside their comfort zones and engage with others, a call that is especially vital…
Secular Ireland will ‘pay a price’ for forgetting God
Priest calls on Christians to unite A well-known Irish priest has warned of “stormy seas” ahead and that Christians must face the “common enemy” of secularism and godlessness together. Vincentian priest Fr Pat Collins CM, who is an expert in deliverance ministry and is due to speak at the Divine Mercy National Conference in the…
Primate of All Ireland prays for sick Pope
The Primate of All Ireland Archbishop Eamon Martin has offered prayers for Pope Francis as he struggled with a respiratory tract infection. The 88-year-old Pope was hospitalised on February 14 in Rome’s Gemelli hospital. Archbishop Martin said on social media: “Our Lady of Lourdes; St Bernadette; intercede for Pope Francis – that he may find…
Regrettable hospices must fundraise to survive – bishop
Bishop of Killaloe Fintan Monahan took part in the annual fundraising run in Limerick over the weekend. Runners from around the country joined in the 10k run/walk fundraising for the Milford Care Centre on February 16. Speaking to The Irish Catholic, Bishop Monahan said “the annual 10k is an important fundraiser for Milford Hospice which…
Tributes paid following beloved priest’s death in Donegal
A retired priest of the Raphoe Diocese died aged 87 on February 15 and left many mourning throughout the diocese. Dean Austin Laverty PE, retired parish priest of Ardara dedicated over 60 years of work across a variety of roles in the diocese. The Parish of Iniskeel said in a statement that “even in his…
Housing should not delay tying the knot, say married couples
Married couples have responded to new statistics from Accord showing almost half of couples delay marriage due to the housing crisis, giving a plethora of advice including “you can live in a tent and still be married”. Hundreds of people who were married in Newman University Church in Dublin gathered in the church over the…
Bishop Kevin Doran appointed Bishop of Achonry
Pope Francis has appointed Bishop Kevin Doran to serve as the Bishop of Achonry, uniting it with the Diocese of Elphin in persona episcopi – governed by one bishop. The announcement was made on Sunday, February 16, with Mass celebrated at 10am, followed by the formal announcement of Bishop Doran’s appointment as the new Bishop…

Renata Steffens


Renata Milán Morales

Chai Brady




