Pro-life groups have condemned the move by cabinet to approve the introduction of legislation on so-called ‘safe access zones’ around healthcare facilities that can provide abortion. The legislation proposes 100-metre zones around abortion providers in which pro-life demonstrations, even prayer vigils, would be banned and those involved could face a fine or imprisonment. The Life…
St James honoured with procession in Cuban city A large number of Catholics from the Archdiocese of Santiago de Cuba participated in a procession July 25 to celebrate the feast of their patron, St James the Apostle. The special event also commemorated the 507th anniversary of the founding of Santiago (St James) de Cuba. Archbishop…
Parishes and schools in Kenya and Waterford are forging links for their “mutual enrichment”, Bishop of Waterford and Lismore Alphonsus Cullinan has said. Bishop Cullinan along with representatives from the diocese and Mary’s Meals visited the diocese of Lodwar, Northern Kenya, in July to establish outreach programmes to the region. “This is an arid and…
We must not lose hope “through this time of transition and restructuring”, Archbishop Francis Duffy told pilgrims ahead of the Reek Sunday climb up Croagh Patrick. Speaking at the Vigil Mass in St Mary’s Church, Westport, Co. Mayo, the archbishop of Tuam said that now is a “time for faith, faith into action, faith into…
The bishop of Córdoba, Spain, Demetrio Fernández, warned about the challenges facing the Synod on Synodality, an initiative that he acknowledges “has stirred up the waters of the Church” but that cannot “invent” the mission of the Catholic Church. In his weekly pastoral letter, which concludes by quoting the Letter to the Hebrews — ”Jesus…
A diocese in the northern Philippines appealed for aid July 27 after a magnitude 7 earthquake that killed at least four and injured dozens. The Archdiocese of Tuguegarao in northeastern Luzon said churches and historical sites sustained cracks and were damaged, but it also needed help to repair hospital infrastructure and equipment. Patients were evacuated…
The Catholic Grandparent’s Association held its pilgrimage to Knock Shrine, July 24. Grandparents from around the country gathered at the Eucharistic and Marian Shrine to celebrate the second World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly. Mass was celebrated in the basilica by Archbishop Francis Duffy, patron of the CGA.
Vatican asks Catholics to share experiences helping migrants and refugees As the Church prepares to commemorate the World Day of Migrants and Refugees in September, Pope Francis launched a video campaign meant to highlight the spiritual and cultural contributions that migrants bring to people’s lives. “Migrants and refugees offer us a great opportunity for the…
Travellers’ pride at Kerry Mass The Traveller community has voiced its hope that the first ever Traveller Pride Mass celebrated in St Mary’s Cathedral, Killarney, July 19, will become an annual event. After the Mass, the organiser Richard O’Brien added that he hopes the Mass can be replicated in around the country, bringing the Traveller…
The example of Irish missionaries martyred by communist forces during the Korean war could help renew the Faith in Ireland, a priest working on their cause has said. Six Irish Columban fathers and two missionaries of Irish descent died as “witnesses of modern and contemporary faith” during the conflict in Korea which lasted from 1950-1953.…
Chai Brady
Ruadhán Jones