Churches in Ireland are being encouraged to reflect on how they welcome migrants and displaced people at a conference organised by Tearfund Ireland this weekend. Emma Lynch of Tearfund Ireland told The Irish Catholic the event aims to bring “lessons… from churches in Lebanon” to an Irish context, particularly as displacement rises globally and tensions…
Faithful in Ireland and abroad have been praying for Irish missionary Sr Briege McKenna, who has been ill. The 80-year-old nun is famous for her miraculous healing at 24 and is associated with the miraculous healing of people. In an announcement on March 15, St Jude the Apostle Cathedral, Florida, US, announced the sister’s health…
John Furlong of Crooke, Co. Waterford was honoured with a Papal Benemerenti medal, presented to him by Bishop Alphonsus Cullinan at a special Mass over the weekend. The Papal Benemerenti medal, awarded by Pope Leo, honours laity with exceptional dedication to the Catholic Church and community. Mr Furlong’s contribution to parish life, specifically his service…
Laity and clergy in Armagh are preparing to gather for a historic archdiocesan congress on youth, family and faith this weekend, March 20-22. The congress, which invites people to reflect upon what it means to be “St Patrick’s people in Ireland today”, focuses on seven priorities identified in conversations with young adults, young families and…
A protest outside Belfast City Hall at the weekend has drawn attention to proposed city centre by-laws that campaigners say could restrict pro-life outreach, street preaching and public expression. Around 100 people gathered for the demonstration organised by Liberty NI, with speakers aiming to raise awareness of the proposals among the wider public. Speaking to…
On February 28, Israel and the US launched massive air strikes against Iran. The following day, Pope Leo XIV responded during the Angelus prayer with the words: “Stability and peace cannot be achieved through mutual threats or weapons that bring destruction, suffering and death, but only through reasonable, authentic and responsible dialogue.” He appealed to…
As Scotland nears a final vote by the Scottish Government’s Assisted Dying for Terminal Ill Adults Bill, the country’s bishops are expressing “deep concern” about the proposal. In a statement released on March 10, the bishops noted the Scottish Government’s response to an amendment which sought to introduce provisions allowing organisations – including hospices, care…
More than 10,000 Austrian university students have signed a petition demanding that the Austrian National Union of Students (ÖH, by its German acronym) abolish its so-called “Repro Fund,” a program that uses mandatory student fees to finance abortions. The petition, organised by ProLife Europe in partnership with CitizenGo, was formally submitted on March 11 to…
Pope Leo XIV has spent his first night in his new quarters in the Apostolic Palace. On Saturday evening, lights were visible in the small windows above the Pope’s official residence. Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni confirmed that Leo XIV would move into the premises – which had been available to his predecessors – on Saturday…
The dedication of a new altar at Mater Dei Church has marked a “new beginning” for a Co. Antrim parish, following a major restoration of the 1970s building. Speaking to The Irish Catholic, Canon Colm McBride PP said the ceremony, led by Bishop Alan McGuckian SJ, was “to dedicate the new altar but also an…
Renata Steffens