The archbishop of Grouard-McLennan in Northern Alberta, Canada, says he is saddened but “not overcome” by the loss of a 121-year-old church to arson on May 22. A second church in Alberta, St Mary’s Cathedral, was also the victim of alleged attempted arson three days earlier, as local police seek assistance in identifying a man…
Pilgrims from the Archdiocese of Armagh flocked to Lourdes Marian Shrine for their annual pilgrimage from Wednesday May 24 to Saturday 27. Bishop Michael Router accompanied the pilgrims for their week of prayer and healing at the famous shrine in southwestern France. While heavy rain spoiled the chances for the torchlit procession, it didn’t dampen…
Eucharistic procession returns to Cork City The annual Eucharistic procession through Cork City is set to return for the first time since 2019, it was announced on May 23. The 97th annual Cork Eucharistic Procession will take place on June 11, beginning at 3pm at the Cathedral of St Mary and St Anne, Bishop Fintan…
The Mexican Bishops’ Conference (CEM) expressed “consternation and pain” over the May 22 murder of Augustinian Fr Javier García Villafaña and demanded “an exhaustive and transparent investigation”. “We strongly condemn this act of violence that has not only taken a life but also threatens peace and justice in our nation,” the Mexican bishops said. “It’s…
Outdated language has no place says disability theologian An Irish theologian who advocates for persons living with a disability has said that comments from the Taoiseach describing political opponents as “slow learners” amounts to a slur on people with a learning disability. Dr Liam Waldron described as “completely unacceptable” the Taoiseach’s description of Sinn Féin…
Three schools in Raheny are to stay under Catholic patronage after heated debate in the North Dublin community, and despite the lobbying of a local TD. The three schools took part in a pilot scheme that investigated local interest for divestment, but Minister for Education Norma Foley confirmed they were “not amenable to or potential…
Lay people will increasingly be asked to step up to the plate in one of Ireland’s largest diocese as priest numbers are expected to fall to dramatically. The Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Down and Connor will say this Sunday that “very soon” it’s likely the celebration of a Requiem Mass will “no longer…
A proposed change to traffic access on a bus route in Rathmines will be a “a disaster” for elderly parishioners and those with mobility issues, the parish priest has warned. A ‘bus gate’ – a length of road open only to busses, taxis and cyclists – outside Rathmines parish church would be “a disaster” and…
Belfast actor James Martin is set to be recognised for his contribution to the arts by Ulster University. Star of the Oscar-winning Northern Irish short film, An Irish Goodbye, Mr Martin is the first person with Down’s Syndrome to win film’s biggest award. Responding to the news of his Honorary Doctorate, James said: “I will…
Deputy leader of pro-life party Aontú in the North, Gemma Brolly has expressed regret following disappointment in the recent local elections. Sinn Féin was the big winner of the election, and is now the largest party in both local government and Stormont for the first time after making huge gains. With all seats counted, the…
Ruadhán Jones
Chai Brady