A group of hillwalkers from the Diocese of Ferns, including the Riverchapel parish priest, who survived the devastating earthquake in Nepal has organised a fundraising appeal through local parishes. “We are working with Caritas in Nepal, a sister organisation of Trócaire, and 100% of the funds raised will go to projects on the ground,” said…

Fr Martin Browne OSB is pictured after his ordination to the priesthood at Glenstal Abbey in Limerick with (l-r) Bishop Willie Walsh (Bishop Emeritus of Killaloe), Archbishop Kieran O’Reilly (Archbishop of Cashel & Emly) and Archbishop Dermot Clifford (Archbishop Emeritus of Cashel and Emly).  

A statue of Pope St John Paul II must be removed from a public square in the small town of Ploermel in France, according to a court which says it violates the separation of church and state. Taking issue with the “ostentatious” location and size of the 29-foot statue, which shows the saint praying under…

The founder of the liberation theology movement has spoken at the special Vatican conference of the Church’s aid and development agencies, talking about “a poor Church for the poor”. The appearance of Fr Gustavo Gutierrez at the event is being hailed as a symbolic moment of acceptance for the Peruvian friar and the theological movement…

Cuban President Raul Castro gestures toward Pope Francis after a private meeting in the Vatican on May 10. President Castro said he has been so impressed by the Pope that he is tempted to start praying again and return to the Church. He said he would attend all the Pope’s Masses on his September 19-22…

Burundi’s bishops have called for action to be taken to ensure the country’s elections take place safely. In a statement issued in the aftermath of the departure from the country of constitutional court vice-president Sylvere Nimpagaritse, the bishops’ conference urged support for elections so the institutions of state could “enjoy the confidence of the people”.…

‘Francis effect’ having tangible benefits for Church’s charities The “Francis Effect” is having a real impact on the work of Caritas Internationalis, the Church’s umbrella group of 164 aid and development charities, according to the Rome-based network’s secretary-general. Michael Roy says while the global economic crisis has meant few of the charities report significant increases…

Oscar winner says his success was a “gift” from God

Grace Akognon (6) with Leinster rugby player Isaac Boss at the launch of Children’s Hospice Week at LauraLynn, Ireland’s only children’s hospice. LauraLynn is asking the public be a superhero for LauraLynn by texting 50300 SUPERHERO to donate €4 or hold a Hero Bake Off, Dress Up for a Day, or take part in a…

The Benedictine Community at Kylemore Abbey in Co. Galway and the University of Notre Dame in the United States have formed a partnership to create a centre to advance their shared spiritual, cultural and educational missions. The Abbess at Kylemore Abbey, Mother Maire Hickey said she was “delighted” that the university “has responded favourably to…