Staff reporter The Pioneers should not look to a hierarchial structure, but have the self-belief to become a strong lay association Bishop Eamon Walsh has said.  The Pioneer Association will become a Lay Association of the Faithful under the direction of the Irish Bishops’ Conference over the next three years, as the Jesuits make a phased…

A new heritage wall recounting the many developments over the years at the Mercy University Hospital, Cork City was blessed by Bishop John Buckley and the ribbon was cut by Sr Laurentia, Former Director of Nursing, in the presence of Sandra Daly CEO, Margaret McKiernan, Director of Nursing and many present staff members. The hospital…

A parish Mass for the Year of Consecrated Life in the Church of Our Lady of the Wayside in Jenkinstown, Co. Louth coincided with the fact that the Franciscan Missionary Sisters for Africa were celebrating the 80th anniversary of the foundation of their mother house, Mount Oliver Convent. Parish Priest of Lordship & Ballymascanlon, Fr…

Bishop Michael Smith officially launched the Diocese of Meath’s preparations for World Youth Day (WYD) next year in a ceremony in Navan parish. He will lead a group of 50 young adults (18-35 years) from the diocese to Krakow, Poland at the end of July, 2016.  The pilgrimage journey will take in the five days…

Archrois an Spidéil is a special commission for Cill Éinde, An Spidéal, Co. Galway, that was recently dedicated during a week of celebrations in the parish. Designed by artist Imogen Stuart, who also designed the ambo and tabernacle for the refurbished St Mel’s Cathedral in Longford, Ardchrois an Spidéil is designed in the tradition of…

Canada can learn from the Catholic Church’s experience, writes Prof. Michael Higgins

The Holy Land community faces a fresh wave of terror, writes Paul Keenan

Francis has a ‘special affection’ for Ireland

If Syrian president Bashar al-Assad were removed from power now, Syria would become like Libya, a Syrian bishop has warned. Archbishop Jacques Behnan Hindo, Syrian Catholic Archbishop of Hasakeh-Nisibi, said “the Syrians will decide if and when Assad has to go away, and not the Daesh [the so-called Islamic State] or the West,” continuing “and…

Staff Reporter Actor David Oyelowo has said his faith plays a major role in determining which films he accepts and which he turns down. The British actor, known for his roles in Interstellar, Selma and Rise of the Planet of the Apes, said he prays before making his decision on a part. “I’ve never regretted turning…