A leading expert on the Pope’s worldwide consultation of Catholics on the future of the Church has criticised former president Mary McAleese for her reaction to the process. Prof. Massimo Faggioli, professor of theology at Villanova University in the US, was speaking after Mrs McAleese expressed the view that the document from the month-long first…
The Bishop of Derry has warned that a question asked in the recently published Good Relations Indicator report conducted by the Executive Office regarding mixed education, was “simplistic” and received a “simplistic answer, which doesn’t move us forward”. People were asked whether they “would prefer mixed religion neighbourhoods, workplaces, and schools”. The responses were: 89% of adult…
The “unprecedented” level of vacant teaching posts in primary and special schools is the “greatest challenge facing primary schools”, a Catholic schools’ body have warned. The crisis is “so grave that a ‘whole of Government’ approach is warranted” said Seamus Mulconry, Secretary General of the Catholic Primary Schools Management Association (CPSMA). His comments come after…
US actor and comedian, Rob Schneider, well-known for his multiple roles in films such as 50 First Dates and Grown Ups, took to social media to announce his conversion to Catholicism. Mr Schneider made the announcement on X (formerly Twitter) while thanking people for the messages he received celebrating his 60th birthday. “At 60 you…
Tánaiste Micheál Martin refused to commit to bringing up the plight of Christians during his visit to China, while stressing that Ireland condemns all forms of persecution on the basis of religion. Although restrictions on expressing the Christian Faith in China have been on the rise since 2018 according to a number of charities, the…
Irish charity Ruhama has praised as “comprehensive” and as a “victim-centred roadmap” the Government’s new action plan aimed at preventing and combating human trafficking. The anti-sexual exploitation NGO however additionally called on the Government to allow for the reunification of families affected by human trafficking, “on the understanding that their lives and the lives of…
During a visit to South Korea, An Taoiseach Leo Varadkar laid a wreath at a shrine dedicated to Irish missionaries and peacekeepers who died in conflicts in Korea. The deaths of Columban Fathers and one Anglican sister during the Korean war in the 1950s “were such a loss to Korea as well as Ireland”, said…
Polish psychiatrist, Wanda Póltawska, often referred to as St John Paul II’s ‘soulmate’ due to the depth of their friendship and extent of their correspondence, has died in Kraków at the age of 101. Originally from Lublin in eastern Poland, Ms Póltawska was a member of the Polish underground that fought the Nazis during World…
Archbishop Eamon Martin unveiled a plaque at the family home of Cardinal Tomás Ó Fiaich, marking the 100th anniversary of his birth. Archbishop Martin remembered the former Primate of All Ireland, who led the Church in Ireland from 1977 until his death in 1990, as a “good shepherd” who some would have “unfairly labelled him…
The wars being fought in Gaza, Ukraine and other parts of the world are destroying the future of the children who live in those nations, Pope Francis said. Speaking about the conflict in Palestine and Israel after praying the Angelus in St Peter’s Square November 5, the Pope asked the world to “think of the…
Chai Brady
Ruadhán Jones