Category: News

One of Europe’s largest mosaics unveiled at Knock

Archbishop of Tuam, Dr Michael Neary officially unveiled a huge new mosaic, composed of more than 1.5 million individual pieces, during Mass in Our Lady’s Basilica at Knock Shrine on Sunday, when 15 local people – some of them descendants of those who witnessed the Apparition in 1879 – performed a short candlelit procession. The…

Catholic schools body has not endorsed transgender programme

The Catholic Primary Schools Management Association (CPSMA) has distanced itself from suggestions that it supports a programme aimed at 11 and 12 year olds which endorses the view that children can change sex. A pilot programme entitled ‘Altogether Now!’, currently being tested in some primary schools, describes itself as “supported by” an advisory group whose members…

Cherry Orchard celebrates 10 years of Candleweek

The sound of song and laughter emanating from the Church of the Most Holy Sacrament in Cherry Orchard, Dublin last week, not to mention the giant inflatable candle at the door, signalled that the Redemptorist parish was once again hosting its annual Candleweek mission, the “biggest event of the year” in the parish. This year…

Frank Kelly hailed as ‘committed’ Catholic

Frank Kelly was a “committed” Catholic, according to the celebrated actor’s former parish priest. Mr Kelly, who was famous for roles including Fr Jack Hackett in the hit series Fr Ted, died on Sunday aged 77. Speaking to The Irish Catholic ahead of concelebrating at the actor’s funeral on Wednesday at the Church of the…

Hope springs eternal for Christians in Nigeria

Paul Keenan examines a report on a long-suffering Christian community African commentators are clearly divided on Nigeria’s fortunes over the last 11 months. ‘We have never had it so bad.’  No. ‘The rule of law is coming back!’ No. ‘Nigeria is in a critical situation both economically and politically.’ An appraisal of the current state of affairs in Nigeria nearly one year into the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari is very much an exercise in consulting divided opinions.…

Bishops considering own version of Relationship and Sexuality Education

The Irish bishops are currently investigating the possibility of developing their own Relationships and Sexuality Education (RSE) programme for use in Catholic schools amid concerns about what is currently being taught in those schools, The Irish Catholic understands. Bishop Kevin Doran told this newspaper he is “anxious” that an RSE programme in keeping with Church…

Bishop grossly deceived me, says Aussie cardinal

Australia’s Cardinal George Pell has denied knowing anything about the abusive activities of a fellow cleric when he was a priest in the Victoria suburb of Ballarat in the 1970s. The cardinal has also claimed that he was victim to “a gross deception” by his then bishop, Dr Robert Mulkearns, and Msgr Leo Fiscalini, with…