There is a need to “restore” goodwill towards refugees while considering “the needs of everyone living in local communities”, according to the head of the Church of Ireland, Archbishop John McDowell. In a joint St Patrick’s Day statement two years ago, Archbishop John McDowell and Archbishop Eamon Martin called for parishes to support Ukrainian refugees…
Category: News
Church robberies remain an ongoing issue as Donegal takes most hits
Church robberies have been a feature of news emerging from multiple parish offices across the country recently. From Kerry to Donegal, thieves have targeted churches in order to seize money that may be present in the candle boxes. While robberies have been taking place across churches throughout the country, Donegal has been the target for…
Eurovision winner Dana honoured with papal award
Former MEP and 1970 Eurovision winner Dana has been awarded the Order of St Gregory by Pope Francis in recognition of her services to the Church. Dana became a Dame of the Order of St Gregory at a ceremony at her parish church in Claregalway, Co. Galway, surrounded by family and friends. She thanked Bishop Michael Duignan, Bishop of…
‘No pension priest’ to challenge religious order over stamps
A returned missionary priest who doesn’t qualify for a state pension is to speak with his religious order, the Society of African Missions (SMA) to find out why apparently no stamps were paid on his behalf while he was a missionary in Ghana for 31 years, which he claims was a paid employment where he…
Damning housing report indicative of ‘fundamentally flawed’ housing policy
Speaking in the aftermath of the Housing Commission’s report calling for a “radical strategic reset of housing policy” and which identified substantial deficits concerning the provision of housing, longstanding homelessness campaigner Fr Peter McVerry said that the report, which was publicised on Tuesday, is indicative of a housing policy that is “fundamentally flawed” and that…
MIC lecturer calls theology appointment ‘unconscionable’
A senior lecturer in Mary Immaculate College has written a letter of protest to the Irish bishops over the apparent appointment of a senior priest in Limerick to the head of the theology department of Mary Immaculate College. Dr Catherine Swift writes: “Pope Francis has written more than once that lay people must bear witness…
NFL player criticises Catholic leaders for lack of leadership in speech
Kansas City Chiefs’ placekicker Harrison Butker offered some pointed criticism of Catholic bishops and priests along with advice to college graduates in his commencement address at Benedictine College on Saturday. Catholic bishops should be more like St Damien of Molokai and less concerned about what civil and cultural leaders think about them, the three-time Super…
Thousands descend on Co. Down for Carlo Acustis’ relics
On May 13, 2024, the relic of Blessed Carlo Acutis visited St Nichola’s Church, Ardglass and St Mary’s Church, Dunsford in Co. Down, and was greeted by an estimated 5,500 people. The relic has travelled to Ireland this weekend from Assisi’s Sanctuary of the Renunciation, the church where Blessed Carlo Acutis’ remains are housed and…
Rise in children experiencing deprivation reflected in rates of calls to homeless services
In response to the Children’s Rights Alliance report, published last Monday, which reveals one in five children are experiencing enforced deprivation, an 18.8% increase when compared to the figures established in 2022, CEO of the Capuchin Day Centre, Brian Friel, said that the figures contained in the report almost exactly match the increased volume of…
Director on new film and powerful conversion: Mother Teresa ‘was sent there for me’
“Jesus Thirsts: The Miracle of the Eucharist” is a new film that takes viewers on a journey to rediscover the importance of the Eucharist. Through dialogue with notable Catholic figures who explore the biblical origins of the Eucharist and share personal stories, one of the film’s producers, Jim Wahlberg, said he hopes to revive faith…

Chai Brady



Brandon Scott


Renata Milán Morales

