A Catholic priest in Congo said Pope Francis will be visiting the country not only to reconcile it, but also to tell the world “about the conflicts that are tearing this country apart”. The announcement of the Pope’s July 2-5 visit “sounded like the voice of the angel of the Lord to the poor shepherds…
Bishop of Limerick Brendan Leahy has said the young people across Limerick committed to playing a role in the Church are “beacons of hope”. Speaking as he presented 50 John Paul II Awards in Scoil Pól Kilfinane, Bishop Leahy praised the “inspirational young people”. “The work they have been doing in their local areas is…
Following complaints by survivors of sexual abuse, a German diocese has announced it will no longer cooperate with a Planned Parenthood-affiliated organisation, given accusations of “spreading paedophile-friendly views” in previous decades. As CNA Deutsch reported, the Diocese of Würzburg announced it would cease its cooperation with the abortion-supporting organisation that calls itself Pro Familia as “soon…
The Ukrainian community in Ireland enjoyed an Easter Mass in the Byzantine rite in Sligo cathedral on Saturday. Chaplain to the Ukrainian community in Dublin Fr Vasyl Kornitsky celebrated the Mass and Bishop Kevin Doran of the Diocese of Elphin attended and addressed the congregation. After the consecration of Easter cakes, Irish parishioners organised a…
Pope’s agenda cancelled for medical check-ups Pope Francis’ agenda was cleared on Friday for needed medical checkups, a Vatican spokesperson said. Francis, who is 85 years old, has been suffering from pain in his right knee, causing him to take smaller roles in some Vatican liturgies and to remain seated more often. “The Pope has…
Pilgrims from across Dublin diocese returned to Knock for the first diocesan pilgrimage since Covid restrictions were lifted. Archbishop of Dublin Dermot Farrell celebrated Mass for the pilgrims, who visited Knock Shrine Saturday, April 23. Archbishop Farrell said in his homily that Mary brings her family to the shrine “to see her and be seen…
A Catholic priest was expelled from Russia without explanation, amid fears for the well-being of other clergy ministering in the country. Fr Fernando Vera, a Mexican member of Opus Dei, left Russia in mid-April after being told his residence permit was revoked. Fr Kirill Gorbunov, spokesman for the Russian bishops’ conference, told Catholic News Service…
More than 200 families and young adults attended Arise’s Easter conference in Tramore, Co. Waterford, for a weekend of Mass, talks, drama and family fun. The Bishop of Waterford and Lismore Alphonsus Cullinan celebrated Mass during the conference, while Edith Farley gave a talk on the blessing of family life. Christian theatre group Rise also…
Significant reduction in people sleeping rough in Dublin The Peter McVerry Trust has welcomed the significant reduction in the number of people sleeping rough in Dublin, down 27% year-on-year. Some 92 people were found sleeping rough in Dublin, according to figures from the Dublin Region Homeless Executive’s spring rough sleeper count, which took place end…
Peru’s Catholic bishops published a two-page plea to the country’s leaders, urging them to address the current political crisis with “greater responsibility” and take “radical measures” to fight corruption. “Our weak democracy cannot stand the instability any longer,” the bishops wrote. “It is crucial that both the executive branch and the legislative branch bring together people who…
Ruadhán Jones
Chai Brady