An Indian priest abducted by gunmen in Yemen two months ago is still alive, according to the Vicar General of the Salesian order, of which he is a member. Fr Francesco Cereda said it is important to “continue paying attention” to the circumstances of Fr Tom Uzhunnalil and “keep communication channels open”, without fuelling “false…

Voters who want to retain the pro-life constitutional position are being urged to make their voices heard at a Dublin rally next month. The Pro-Life Campaign is holding an event on Saturday, June 4 from 3-4pm on Molesworth Street, Dublin. Organisers say the aim of the event is to celebrate the hugely positive influence that…

Christianity’s future in the Middle East remains uncertain, and it is critical that the international community remain engaged, a Syrian Melkite Catholic archbishop has said. Speaking at a visit to the US state of Connecticut, Aleppo’s Archbishop Jean-Clément Jeanbart recalled how persecution has also long been a part of Syrian Catholic history, but that the…

Irish lawmakers have been urged to take the lead in pushing for Islamist persecution of Christians and other minorities in the Middle East to be formally declared as a genocide. Fianna Fáil foreign affairs spokesperson Brendan Smith told The Irish Catholic that politicians and governments cannot use the excuse that they are unaware of the…

The Mayo International Choral Festival is presenting an inaugural concert at the newly refurbished Knock Basilica, to commemorate the 1916 Easter Rising and World War I on Saturday, May 14 at 8pm. The concert will be presented by RTĖ Lyric FM’s Liz Nolan and will include excerpts from Karl Jenkins’ choral sensation, The Armed Man:…

There was “joy” and “delight” among the Jesuit community and devotees of Fr John Sullivan SJ at the news he has been approved for the next step on the road to sainthood. Pope Francis signed a decree last week recognising a miracle attributed to Fr Sullivan, clearing the way for his beatification. Fr Gerry Clarke…

Larry Ward was awarded the Bene Merenti medal for over 40 years dedicated service as organist and choir master in Drumconrath, Co. Meath, at a presentation in a packed church of family and well-wishers. Larry was accompanied by his wife Attracta and daughter Sarah Jane for this special ceremony which was concelebrated in Ss Peter…

The chaplain to newly crowned Premier League champions Leicester City has revealed he offered players pre-match prayers “to help keep them more focussed and more mindful”.  Speaking ahead of the club’s fairy tale victory in England’s top football league, Rev. Andrew Hulley told of how divine intervention had spurred the squad on.   “The players…

The United Nations has a crucial role to play in securing the future of the Middle East, particularly for people being tortured, kidnapped and killed because of their religious beliefs, the CEO of the Knights of Columbus said at a day-long UN conference part-sponsored by the Vatican. Speaking at the April 28 conference, sponsored by…

Rome-based Irish cleric Bishop Paul Tighe speaks with U2 guitarist David Evans, also known by his stage name The Edge, at the Vatican at the weekend. But what were they talking about? Send suggested captions to editor@irishcatholic.ie or Caption Competition, The Irish Catholic, St Mary’s, Bloomfield Avenue, Donnybrook, Dublin 4 before Monday May 16. Best…