Aontú leader Peadar Tóibín has criticised the Government’s pandemic plan, saying he saw “no logic in deferring the phased re-opening of places of worship until July”, while sporting events and restaurants will open in June. Mr Tóibín called on the Taoiseach to “listen to the concerns of faith groups and their detailed ideas and plans” on reopening places…
The Jakarta Archdiocese has extended its Covid-19 emergency period for a second and indefinite time as the Indonesian government prepares to introduce new measures. The extension from June 1 was taken by the archdiocese a few days after Jakarta authorities decided to extend lockdowns in the capital until June 4 to curb rising Covid-19 cases.…
An 81-year old priest in Co. Down has taken his love for music to Facebook on Saturday nights to boost morale in these difficult times. Fr Seán Rogan of Carryduff, known as the ‘piano player’, told The Irish Catholic what prompted him to go on social media. “While we were in this lockdown, it struck me that…
The Church in the Philippines has opened its doors to help thousands of refugees who fled clashes that erupted in Mindanao during the Muslim festival of Eid al-Fitr. More than 6,000 people fled their homes when armed militants launched concerted attacks on army units, hitting three villages in Maguindanao province with mortar fire. According to…
Pope advances new decrees for Causes of Saints Pope Francis has advanced the causes for canonisation of 12 holy men and women by authorising the publication of decrees recognising various miracles. The Holy Father also extended this action last week to the martyrdom of a missionary in El Salvador and a group of Cistercian monks.…
Showband legend Brendan Bowyer has been hailed as “a man of faith” who was “very friendly and very humble”. Brendan was 81 when he died last week in Las Vegas surrounded by his family. Fr Brian D’Arcy, who knew Brendan when he was a student, said: “We were friendly that long ago and we always…
Indian Catholics reject politician’s ‘baseless’ conversion claim Church leaders and activists have rejected a claim by a member of parliament from India’s Andhra Pradesh alleging that Christian missionaries use money for religious conversion. Raghu Ramkrishna Raju claimed in a television debate last week that Christian missionaries are pumping large sums of money to carry out…
The Catholic Church has called for inquiries into the devastating impact that coronavirus has had on nursing homes in Ireland. To date, 900 nursing home residents have died due to Covid-19 in Ireland and they make up more than half of all deaths attributed to the disease here. This week the Dáil heard claims that nursing homes…
Ireland’s national Marian shrine will join Pope Francis in praying the Rosary to implore Our Lady’s intercession and protection during the current coronavirus crisis today, the eve of Pentecost. Fr Richard Gibbons will say the Rosary at the Apparition Chapel in Knock, which will be streamed live on www.knockshrine.ie at 4.30pm. The Pope will be…
Adapting to restrictions in place due to the coronavirus pandemic Bishop Phonsie Cullinan has announced that Confession will be available across his diocese in open air venues on Saturday, in preparation for Pentecost. In a pastoral message for the Feast of Pentecost Bishop Cullinan said that “part of our care for our brothers and sisters…
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Chai Brady