An initiative from the pastoral council of Long Tower Parish in Derry City is aiming to help young people to discuss and tackle issues affecting their lives. Youth Fest will involve a series of four interviews held throughout the year to discuss issues of concern expressed by young people, teachers and parents in the parish.…

The federal government must provide enough funds to the Independent National Electoral Commission for it to be able to conduct the general elections across Nigeria March 28 and April 11, said Archbishop Gabriel ‘Leke Abegunrin of Ibadan. The archbishop noted that the electoral commission had been complaining of a lack of funds needed, including for…

At the first profession of Sr Eileen O'Connell in the Dominican Convent Chapel, Cabra, Dublin on Sunday are: (l-r) Sr Martina Phelan, Irish Mission Area Prioress; Sr Eileen O'Connell; Sr Marie Redmond, Director of Novices and Sister Helen Mary Harmey, Congregation Prioress of Dominican Sisters, Cabra. Photo: Alan Murphy

Vatican’s economic reform on track, resistance from some, cardinal says As fresh economic reforms begin to take hold throughout the Vatican, Pope Francis’ finance minister has revealed that Rome has more than €1.3 billion in assets it didn’t previously know it possessed, although this must be balanced against a projected deficit of more than €700 million in its pension fund. The overall effect, according…

Complainant and respondent included in revised standards

The priest presiding at the funeral Mass of Oisín McGrath has paid tribute to his parents’ faith and selflessness when faced with the shock death of their son. The 13-year-old was a pupil at St Michael’s College in Enniskillen, Co. Fermanagh, and was was fatally injured while playing football during his lunch a week ago.…

Church spokespeople have distances themselves from controversial comments about the film Fifty Shades of Grey made by a high-profile priest. Fr Paddy McCafferty, who serves in the Co. Down parish of Crossgar, has appealed to Catholics to avoid the film, which he describes as “contrary to the Faith and offends against human dignity”. Fr McCafferty…

Hundreds of people attended the funeral of popular Co. Tyrone parish priest, Canon Tom Breen, who was remembered last week as “humble and compassionate”. Canon Breen, who recently turned 84, passed away in the South West Acute Hospital in Enniskillen and was buried in St Davog’s Church in Dromore. Canon Breen was remembered for having…

The principal of St Mary’s College, Belfast, has expressed concern that the North’s Higher Education Minister will continue to target his college, despite plans to cut the teacher training college’s funding being overturned. Prof. Peter Finn welcomed the decision taken by the Northern Ireland Executive to retain the premia for the University Colleges. However, he…

Almost two thirds of people believe that a child is more likely to grow up happy if raised in a home with a mother and father. A survey carried out by Amárach Research on behalf of Accord, the Catholic marriage care service, has shown a strong support for marriage in Ireland. Some 61% considered marriage…