The number of recruits from a Catholic background joining the PSNI has dropped significantly in the past few years. In the latest recruitment campaign, only 27% of all new recruits are Catholic, confirmed Chief Constable Jon Boutcher. Speaking to BBC, Mr Boutcher said “the figures are not what I want. There is no doubt about…
“Devoted” St Oliver Plunkett played a vital role in Drogheda, dedicating himself to education and “the sanctification of his clergy and faithful”, the Primate of All Ireland has said, designating St Peter’s church a place of pilgrimage for the 2025 Jubilee Year of Hope. Archbishop Eamon Martin of Armagh launched #Oliver400 last week marking the…
Hallow, the world’s most popular Christian prayer app, may soon be unavailable to users across the European Union according to the CEO. The app, relied on by many Catholics for daily prayer and meditation, is facing potential restrictions under EU regulations – sparking backlash from religious freedom advocates. Alex Jones, CEO and co-founder of Hallow,…
Marking St Valentine’s Day on February 14, the Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Armagh Michael Routers blessed engaged and married couples during a ‘photocall of engaged couples’ arranged by the Catholic marriage care service, Accord NI at St Mary’s Grotto, Belfast. Speaking ahead of the gathering, Deirdre O’Rawe, Regional Director of Accord NI said:…
The Friars in Wexford climbed Croagh Patrick on February 19 to raise funds for roof repairs in the friary. The Father Guardian was joined by other friars and the community for the climb and said Mass on top of the mountain. Speaking ahead of the event, Fr Robert Cojoc OFM, Father Guardian said the friary…
The custodian priest of St Valentine’s relics in Ireland has warned that the Christian idea of marriage as sacramental and not just romantic emotions is being lost as the “world markets the idea that marriage can come and go”. “The worry I have with St Valentine is that he gets mixed up with Cupid, this…
The Diocese of Kildare and Leighlin is running a two-year diploma in Pastoral Ministry for lay people. Thirty one people started the period of discernment with a gathering on the evening of February 7. This period will end in June and the course starts in September. The programme, announced in October 2024, had a series…
The former Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland has called on the Irish Government to establish its own inquiry into the Omagh bombing to create a clear picture of the tragedy. Baroness Nuala O’Loan investigated the August 15, 1998 incident in which 29 people and two unborn children died, describing it as the “single worst terrorist…
A Benedictine monk based in Glenstal Abbey, Co. Limerick, has recently published a new book, The people’s celebration of the Eucharist. Fr Fintan Lyons explained to The Irish Catholic that the idea to write this book came from a series of questions that some lay people have asked him on the Eucharist. “I was trying…
The 400th anniversary of the birth of the martyred St Oliver Plunkett was celebrated at a service on Wednesday in Drogheda. Fr Eugene Sweeney PP said: “Oliver Plunkett lived at a remarkably difficult and chaotic time. His resilience, courage and constant efforts for peace and justice are truly inspiring, and therefore it is appropriate to…
Renata Steffens
Chai Brady
Nuala O’Loan
Renata Milán Morales