Knock Shrine welcomed north of one million visitors this year in a return to pre-Covid numbers, even as the nearby Ireland West airport revealed that it had enjoyed its busiest year on record in 2023. The Co. Mayo airport said that passenger numbers increased by 13% to 818,000 for the first time in the airport’s…
The Archdioceses of Armagh and Dublin have issued their respective response to the Vatican document, Fiducia Supplicans, with Archbishop of Dublin Dermot Farrell describing the document as a tool which will “help us minister to our brothers and sisters who long for the closeness and compassion of God”. Announced on December 18 of last year,…
The number of unaccompanied minors in ‘Special Emergency Accommodation’ has more than doubled in the past four months, according to statistics released by Tusla to the Aontú leader Peadar Tóibín TD. Previous replies to parliamentary questions from the Meath West TD showed a steady increase in the number of unaccompanied children seeking international protection who are ending…
The Master of the Rotunda hospital has admitted he “can’t remember” the last time a pro-life protest took place outside the Dublin hospital. Prof. Seán Daly made the remarks when asked about the abortion zones legislation set to make pro-life protest illegal within 100 metres of facilities providing abortion. His comments appear to be at…
A Gallup report titled Faith and Wellness has confirmed that religious people are more engaged in their communities, have more social support and enjoy more positive mentalities. The American analytics company found that there were five key factors of spirituality that have a beneficial impact on a person’s wellbeing: – Positive coping and a sense…
Irish men and women were among the top 10 visitors to the famous Camino de Santiago in 2023, as the Spanish pilgrimage saw record breaking visitor figures. Nearly half a million people from around the world hiked this historic route last year, according to statistics from the pilgrims’ office. Nearly 200,000 of the pilgrims were…
The US Department of State among others has demanded the release of Bishop Rolando Álvarez of Matagalpa and other imprisoned Nicaraguan religious leaders following a wave of detentions targeting Catholic clergy over the Christmas season. The January 2 statement described Bishop Álvarez and the other religious leaders – including Bishop Isidoro Mora of Siuna –…
The former Bishop of Waterford and Lismore, Bishop William Lee has died aged 82. The Tipperary native was ordained in 1966 at St Patrick’s College Maynooth and went on to further studies which eventually culminated in being awarded a doctorate in canon law from the Gregorian University in Rome. The bishop emeritus, who resigned from…
The Archbishop of Malta and close confidant of Pope Francis, Charles Scicluna, has called for a “serious discussion” about celibacy. The Catholic Church should consider revising its rules to allow Catholic priests to marry, Archbishop Scicluna told the Times of Malta newspaper. “This is probably the first time I’m saying it publicly and it will…
Leitrim town gives thanks after tornado During Mass in St Joseph’s Church, Leitrim Village, the site of a tornado last year, Fr Séamus O’Rourke CC Carrick-on-Shannon gave thanks to the Lord for protecting the lives of those in the town. “Tonight, here in Leitrim village, we come together in thanksgiving for the Lord saving the…
Brandon Scott
Ruadhán Jones