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…
Category: Irish News
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…
Irish congregations discuss eco investments
Fifteen Irish congregations came together to discuss Laudato Si’ in action and to start a conversation on how climate justice impact can be reduced through Irish congregation’s investments, on Saturday, February 15, at the Mercy International Centre in Dublin. The speakers – who represented both congregations and professional finance services perspectives – included Sr Juliet…
Only a quarter of recruits joining PSNI are Catholic
The number of recruits from a Catholic background joining the PSNI has dropped significantly in the past few years. In the latest recruitment campaign, only 27% of all new recruits are Catholic, confirmed Chief Constable Jon Boutcher. Speaking to BBC, Mr Boutcher said “the figures are not what I want. There is no doubt about…
Louth shrine of St Oliver Plunkett marked as a jubilee pilgrim site
“Devoted” St Oliver Plunkett played a vital role in Drogheda, dedicating himself to education and “the sanctification of his clergy and faithful”, the Primate of All Ireland has said, designating St Peter’s church a place of pilgrimage for the 2025 Jubilee Year of Hope. Archbishop Eamon Martin of Armagh launched #Oliver400 last week marking the…
Popular Catholic app faces EU ban
Hallow, the world’s most popular Christian prayer app, may soon be unavailable to users across the European Union according to the CEO. The app, relied on by many Catholics for daily prayer and meditation, is facing potential restrictions under EU regulations – sparking backlash from religious freedom advocates. Alex Jones, CEO and co-founder of Hallow,…
St Valentine’s blessings in Belfast
Marking St Valentine’s Day on February 14, the Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Armagh Michael Routers blessed engaged and married couples during a ‘photocall of engaged couples’ arranged by the Catholic marriage care service, Accord NI at St Mary’s Grotto, Belfast. Speaking ahead of the gathering, Deirdre O’Rawe, Regional Director of Accord NI said:…
Climbing friars on Croagh Patrick
The Friars in Wexford climbed Croagh Patrick on February 19 to raise funds for roof repairs in the friary. The Father Guardian was joined by other friars and the community for the climb and said Mass on top of the mountain. Speaking ahead of the event, Fr Robert Cojoc OFM, Father Guardian said the friary…
Christian marriage is not a ‘Cupid candy floss spirituality’
The custodian priest of St Valentine’s relics in Ireland has warned that the Christian idea of marriage as sacramental and not just romantic emotions is being lost as the “world markets the idea that marriage can come and go”. “The worry I have with St Valentine is that he gets mixed up with Cupid, this…
Discernment period for lay ministry commences in Kildare and Leighlin
The Diocese of Kildare and Leighlin is running a two-year diploma in Pastoral Ministry for lay people. Thirty one people started the period of discernment with a gathering on the evening of February 7. This period will end in June and the course starts in September. The programme, announced in October 2024, had a series…

Chai Brady

Renata Milán Morales

Renata Steffens





