Pope Francis displayed his trademark love for simplicity and informality at the weekend by popping in to a cafeteria for Vatican employees.    The Pope joined workers on July 25 for a simple but wholesome lunch of pasta, cod and grilled tomatoes.    However, unlike the regular diners, the Pope’s meal was free.    Cashier…

On Sunday, July 20 an outdoor Mass in the grounds of Rockwell College marked the 150th anniversary of Spiritan presence in the Tipperary school. The attendance of several hundred people included current and former students of the school and their parents, Spiritans attached to the Congregation’s communities in Rockwell and elsewhere, as well as staff…

A lone pastor is taking on Beijing for religious freedom

Over 250,000 people from across the island of Ireland are expected to attend the annual National Solemn Novena at Knock Shrine this month, which is celebrating 135 years since the Marian apparition.    The theme this year is ‘Witness to Hope’ and will see two novena sessions daily at 3pm and 8.30pm, and workshops or…

Needs increasing day by day

‘Glaring omissions’ in end of life care report

Twitter hashtag brings solidarity

World Missions Ireland (The Work of the Pontifical Mission Societies) has appointed Fr Maurice Hogan as its new National Director.    Fr Hogan is a member of the Missionary Society of St Columban (Columban Fathers). Ordained in 1965, he has served as a missionary in Japan and more recently in Hong Kong before returning to…

Group ‘does not represent Islam’

It has been revealed that Fr Francis Browne SJ, best known for photographing the last images of the Titanic in 1912, was a decorated hero following World War I.    A new book has outlined how the Cork-born priest served on the western front, ministering to shell-shocked soldiers and the seriously wounded for more than…