The head of the Pro-Life Union of Greater Philadelphia said the FBI’s arrest of a prominent Catholic pro-life activist known for his sidewalk counselling outside a Philadelphia abortion facility is “a horrendous stunt to intimidate pro-lifers”. Mark Houck, 48, was arrested at his home in rural Bucks County, Pennsylvania, the morning of September 23 for…
President Michael D. Higgins has called on the leader of Nicaragua’s authoritarian regime Daniel Ortega to release hundreds of prisoners. The President called on President Ortega, a former friend, to release people “who have a right to participate in debate on the future of their country”. The European Parliament passed a motion last month calling…
After only two days, the West Kowloon Magistrates’ Court adjourned the trial of Hong Kong Cardinal Joseph Zen Ze-kiun, 90, and four co-defendants, until October 26. The trial began September 26 and had been scheduled for five days, but the magistrate adjourned the trial when defence lawyers attempted to cross-examine police witnesses called by the…
Vatican restricted East Timor archbishop after abuse allegations After a Dutch newspaper published an investigation into abuse allegations against retired Bishop Carlos Filipe Ximenes Belo of Dili, the Vatican said it had become aware of the allegations several years ago and placed restrictions on him. The newspaper De Groene Amsterdammer said it began its investigation…
Multiple challenges determine Catholic agencies’ response in Africa A humanitarian official who works in Southern Africa said Churches must offer a unified regional response to the problems crippling development in the region. Mwila Mulumbi, the Zambian country representative of CAFOD, spoke to the assembly of the Interregional Meeting of Bishops of Southern Africa, IMBISA, in…
The Irish bishops have called on the Government to extend energy bill supports to parish centres and churches which were ignored in Budget 2023. The prelates warned that there is likely to be “drastic closures” due to rapidly rising energy costs. In the Irish Catholic Bishops’ Conference statement after their Autumn 2022 General Meeting, they…
Church leaders have moved to ensure that those teaching religion in Catholic schools will have a good grounding in Catholic theology and belief. It comes after the teaching council – the State body which regulates the teaching profession – lowered the level of understanding of Catholicism necessary to be employed to teach religious studies at…
Staff Reporter An Irish priest has been tapped by Pope Francis to take over the Vatican’s dialogue with the worldwide Anglican Communion. Fr Martin Browne OSB, a monk of Glenstal Abbey, will shortly take up the appointment in the Vatican’s Dicastery for Promoting Christian Unity The Irish Catholic can reveal. It is a key time…
In a very close result ‘Amazing Grace’ was pipped at the post by ‘Lady of Knock’ in the search for Ireland’s favourite hymn. The competition was run by the Diocese of Kildare and Leighlin and Bishop Denis Nulty at the National Ploughing Championships last week. Speaking to The Irish Catholic after the results were announced,…
Bereavement support workers dealing with grieving people have called for a wider education in Ireland about the complex issue, insisting that modern culture allows less space for grief. Issue Sr Helen Culhane of the Children’s Grief Centre in Co. Limerick said she believes that previous generations handled the issue in a more supportive way. In…
Chai Brady
Ruadhán Jones