The various religious congregations in Celbridge, Co. Kildare and its surrounds have shown their support to the interdenominational Flesh & Blood campaign, which aims to encourage Church congregations and parishes to see blood donation as a part of their giving: Fr Paul Taylor (centre), Rev. Stephen Neil, Church of Ireland (right) and Pastor Paul Carley,…

With immediate effect, the Diocese of Pittsburgh has eliminated all fees for those seeking an annulment in the diocese. In a letter to the diocese’s Catholics, Bishop David A. Zubik said “I know that the fee has stood in the way for many who are in need of an annulment” and that the long-imagined move…

“Some will accept the situation but others may feel angry with their parents for not telling them the truth.”

Vatican moves for financial transparency The Holy See has signed an agreement with Italy guaranteeing full exchange of financial information about Vatican employees, pensioners, foundations and religious institutes that are subject to Italian taxes. Most of those who are employed by or receive payments from the Vatican are not Vatican citizens or do not live…

Staff reporter The National Seminary in Maynooth has appealed to supporters to consider pledging funds over five years as part of its ‘Raise the Roof’ fundraising drive. Fundraisers at St Patrick’s College, which has ordained 11,000 priests since its foundation in 1795, have requested a multi-year commitment from donors to enable them to plan for…

A Co. Tyrone man has been enlisted by the Vatican to solve the problem of unsightly graffiti that keeps surfacing on the stone columns of historical buildings. Paul Bradley, from Greencastle parish, is the sales director for Britain and Ireland of French-based business Guard Industrie. His company has developed the product ProtectGuard which adds an…

A new opinion poll has found that 70% of people believe that children have a right to be raised by their own mother and father. The poll, conducted by Amárach Research for The Iona Institute, found that only 8% disagreed with the statement, while the remainder said they neither agreed nor disagreed. Speaking on behalf…

September event a dry run for potential papal visit

School managers calling on the Government to provide insurance for schools used as polling stations

Apostolic Nuncio, Archbishop Charles Brown planting a tree at a ceremony marking the 150th anniversary of St Mary's Church in Dingle, Co. Kerry on Easter Sunday. Bishop of Kerry, Dr Raymond Browne and former Maynooth professor, Msgr Padraig O Fiannachta were also present. Photo: Marian O'Flaherty