A leading moral Theologian here has defended Pope Francis’ remarks that Catholics must practice “responsible parenthood”. Dr Suzanne Mulligan, Lecturer in Moral Theology at St Patrick’s College, Maynooth, insisted the Pope’s comments were in keeping with Church teaching. “There is nothing radical or new in what the Pope is saying. Everything he has said is consistent…

Samuel McNally (7) from St Aidan’s parish in Enniscorthy, Co. Wexford proudly displays the Christmas card he received from Pope Francis. Samuel had made his own cards for Christmas and sent one off to Pope Francis. He was delighted when the Apostolic Nunciature in Ireland forwarded him a Christmas card and photo from the Pope…

Francis received a colourful welcome, writes John L. Allen

More than twice as many women died in Ireland’s Magdalene laundries than the McAleese Report revealed, according to a draft report by campaign group Justice For Magdalene Research (JFMR). The Report of the Inter-Departmental Committee to establish the facts of State involvement with the Magdalene Laundries, better known as the McAleese Report, found in February…

Pope Francis meets Hollywood star Angelina Jolie during a private audience at the Vatican. The actress and director met with the Pope after a screening at the Vatican of her film Unbroken about an Italian American POW during World War II. Photo: CNS

The death has occurred of the oldest priest in the Diocese of Meath, Fr Edward (Ned) Flynn, the retired parish priest of Ballinabrackey. Fr Flynn died peacefully in Portiuncula Nursing Home Multyfarnham, Co.  Westmeath last Friday aged 99 years. He was born on January 4 1916 and celebrated the 70th anniversary of his ordination in 2011.…

Bishop Edward Daly has welcomed the decision by police in the North to restart an investigation into the events of Bloody Sunday. The retired Bishop of Derry, who ministered to the victims on the day, told The Irish Catholic he was “happy” the PSNI has decided to resume their inquiries. “I am happy if the…

Galway Cathedral celebrates 50 years in 2015 and, in February, it will host the 30th annual novena. Running from February 9-17 this year’s novena is centred around the message of ‘The Church on the streets – living the Gospel today’.   “This is a special year for us as we are celebrating the cathedral’s 50th anniversary and 30…

An Irish priest based in Paris said a palpable sense of grief and anger remains in the city following the terrorist attack on the Charlie Hebdo satirical newspaper. Fr Dwayne Gavin, a native of Kells, Co. Meath studying in Paris and serving as chaplain to the Irish community, said that coupled with sadness and a sense…

Taoiseach Enda Kenny has confirmed that a referendum on the removal of the offence of blasphemy from the Constitution will not take place during the lifetime of this Government. The Government believes proposed changes to the Constitution should be put to the people on a phased basis, he told RTÉ News, and that a third…