The secular media did not report all sides in ‘Vatileaks II’

A large number of young people recently gathered on Lough Derg to spend a weekend in retreat on Ireland's island of pilgrimage. The retreat was organised by Youth 2000 Ireland, who were welcomed to the island by the sanctuary's prior, Fr Owen McEneaney. More than 120 youngsters travelled from all parts of the country to spend the weekend in prayer…

Pope Francis has ‘allowed Church to breathe’

Bishop John Mc Dowell, Church of Ireland Bishop of Clogher, was the guest speaker at the Annual General Conference of Catholic clergy in the Diocese of Clogher. The conference of clergy and co-workers was held in the Hillgrove Hotel, Monaghan. The theme of Bishop McDowell’s keynote address was ‘Personal Reflections on Ministry’. Recalling his formative…

A senior Church official has urged parents with children in Catholic primary schools to ensure that a proposed new curriculum will not encroach on the time allocated to religious education. Fr Tom Deenihan, who heads the Catholic Primate School Management Association, warned that there had been “some concern” that the proposed new Education about Religion…

Young people were to the fore at the annual concelebrated Mass of St Feichin in Abbey parish, Co. Galway through the music and through the prayers of the faithful. The prayers were composed and read by the five first Holy Communnicants in the parish. Chief celebrant was Fr John Hickey CC Abbey with seven concelebrants.…

Country music star Carrie Underwood has spoken of her “strong” faith in God. The 2005 American Idol winner also revealed her goal as a parent is to raise her son as a “loving” Christian. The Jesus, Take The Wheel singer spoke to People magazine about the importance of faith to her family: “We want to…

Church representatives meeting in Cairo have called for peace and coexistence in the region. The Executive Council of the Middle East Council of Churches urged “heads of state and religious and political decision-makers in the world, Arabs and Muslims” to work for the preservation of religious pluralism, saying it is “the most precious treasure of…

Homelessness campaigners have cautiously welcomed the latest package of measures agreed by the Government to address the country’s homelessness crisis. After a cabinet meeting on Tuesday, ministers Alan Kelly and Michael Noonan announced a series of measures including barring landlords from increasing residential rents for two years, obliging property owners to give longer notice to…

Papal visit to Central African Republic later this month is confirmed The Holy See has confirmed that Pope Francis is to visit the Central African Republic later this month, after doubts were raised about the planned trip when the Pontiff said it was his “hope” that he could visit the conflict-riven country. Despite the country’s instability, the Vatican has announced that the Holy Father will…