Tánaiste has come in for sharp criticism for apparently turning a blind eye to the persecution of minority Christian communities

Tánaiste has ‘no plans’ to reopen Vatican Embassy

Atheist Ireland announced its plans at the weekend to develop a course about atheism for primary level children in Irish schools.

The North East PEACE III Partnership has celebrated the success of its unique Clergy Peace Building Project with a closing conference in Ballymena, Co. Antrim addressed by renowned international humanitarian, author and former Beirut hostage, Terry Waite CBE. The Clergy Peace Building Project worked with 30 individual clergy to promote peace building opportunities within the…

Next Sunday, September 29 will be an historic day in the Archdiocese of Armagh when the first ordination to the Permanent Diaconate will take place in St Patrick’s Cathedral, Armagh. Five men, having completed three years’ formation and theological training, will be ordained as deacons for service in five parishes in the Archdiocese of Armagh:…

"We have this idea that Ireland was evangelised once and for all,” says Bishop Noel Treanor, “it wasn’t and we need to be part of the new evangelisation of Ireland.” More than 1,700 people from across the Diocese of Down and Connor are due to gather in Belfast this weekend for the launch of a…

Children helping Children, the initiative that involves Irish children helping children in developing countries, is gearing up to celebrate the National Day of Prayer and Share, on October 11. Established in 2007 by World Missions Ireland, over 1,500 schools throughout the country take part in the day and last year 49 projects in Africa and…

All-Ireland champion footballer Ger Brennan has spoken of the “gift of faith” in his life. Fresh from his part in Dublin’s triumph at last Sunday’s GAA final, Brennan took to the airwaves to speak of his faith and his planned participation in Mission Month in October. Asserting his distinct sense of “a divine presence in…

Pope Francis offered words of encouragement to Rome’s priests this week, assuring them that recent and current scandals cannot overcome the Church’s holiness and urging them to keep their vocations alive through love of God.   The Pope made his remarks at a meeting with diocesan clergy in the Basilica of St John Lateran, the…

Vatican plans diplomatic drive for peace The Vaticanís new secretary of state plans to use the Churchís vast global diplomatic network to build peace.   Archbishop Pietro Parolin (pictured) said Pope Francis has already injected a new impetus into the Vaticanís Secretariat of State structure and given a new push for Church-led diplomacy.   The…