The message of an Irish army chaplain currently on the road sainthood can combat a narrow sense of nationalism in Ireland that seeks to “exclude and scapegoat”, the Bishop of Meath has said. Bishop Tom Deenihan hailed Fr Willie Doyle SJ who died in 1917 during World War I, saying his generosity extended beyond nationality…

There is a “crying need” for atonement, inner healing and hope in the aftermath of the abuse scandals, Archbishop Eamon Martin has said. His comments come as Gardaí are investigating allegations of widespread abuse in schools run by the Spiritans, with allegations made against 77 members of the order for over 200 instances of abuse.…

Homelessness charity Depaul has welcomed Pope Francis’ blessing of a new sculpture depicting the plight of homeless people. Ahead of the sixth World Day of the Poor, November 13, the Pope blessed ‘Sheltering’. The bronze sculpture is life-sized and depicts the figure of a homeless person covered by a blanket pulled by a pigeon in…

Famous Jewish actor and comedian Gad Elmaleh has announced his conversion to Catholicism, saying that Our Lady played a crucial role and that she is his “most beautiful love”. A big star in France and further afield, Mr Elmaleh has starred in several big hits, including Midnight in Paris, Priceless, Coco and La Doublure. His…

Tributes have poured in for the renowned historian, author and lecturer Dr Éamon Phoenix who made a “unique contribution to the peace process”, following his death this week. Belfast-based Dr Phoenix was an expert in the history of Ireland and Northern Ireland. He was a former teacher in St Malachy’s College, Belfast, and lectured in…

Staff Reporter Academic selection in the North of Ireland “disadvantages the already disadvantaged” according to new research from Queen’s University Belfast (QUB). Called ‘Is academic selection in Northern Ireland a barrier to social cohesion?’, the paper discusses the tests used by grammar schools to select pupils. Transfer tests began on Saturday November 12 and will…

Plans to redevelop the Catholic Chaplaincy site at Queen’s University Belfast have been submitted, with work due to start at the end of the present academic year. Speaking to The Irish Catholic newspaper, Catholic chaplain to QUB Fr Dominic McGrattan said it’s coming “at a time of real growth for us”. “We’re celebrating our 50th…

Politicians have expressed concerns about the “subjectivity” and “lack of clarity” present in the proposed ‘hate crime’ legislation, which will add gender, including gender expression and identity, and disability to a list of “protected characteristics”. Speaking to The Irish Catholic newspaper, Independent TD for Clare Michael McNamara said that he has concerns about the bill…

Staff Writer A novena with addresses from special guests has started up as the month’s mind Masses for the victims of the October 7 explosion in Creeslough come to an end, with Fr John Joe Duffy saying that the intention is to bring about healing for a hurting community. Former Tyrone manager Mickey Harte is…