Staff reporter A recent peer-reviewed study has debunked claims that legalising euthanasia or assisted suicide (EAS) leads to fewer non-assisted suicides. Director of the UK’s Anscombe Bioethics Centre David Jones said that their study, Euthanasia, Assisted Suicide, and Suicide Rates in Europe, has shown that current European data reveals a “consistent association” with increased suicide…
Speaking on Vocations Sunday, Bishop Alphonsus Cullinan warned that “screaming” voices in the media can draw us away from God. Bishop Cullinan, chairman of the council for vocations in the Irish bishops’ conference, said that “the only voice that really matters, is the voice of God” in his homily during Mass for vocations Sunday, May…
Cardinal George Pell said Friday that the recent testimony of Cardinal Angelo Becciu at the Vatican finance trial “was somewhat incomplete”. He drew particular attention to a lack of evidence regarding payments of more than $1.6 million made to Neustar Australia, an information services firm, in 2017 and 2018. Cardinal Becciu, who was the second-ranking…
An Irish inter-faith gathering has said EU governments should recognise the unique role churches and faith communities play in maintaining “the soul of Europe”. The comments come in a report submitted to the Conference on the Future of Europe, based on a meeting between Irish churches and faith communities in Dublin City University. Participant The…
Word on Fire Catholic Ministries, founded by Los Angeles Auxiliary Bishop Robert Barron, issued a brief statement May 2 saying it had fired an employee possibly over an incident involving some unwelcome advances. “The accusations against this employee surrounded events in the employee’s personal life, not the Word on Fire workplace, and did not involve…
Staff reporter Bishop Fintan Gavin said that everyone can help promote vocations to the priesthood, as the diocese of Cork and Ross launched a fresh appeal for people to consider becoming priests. Bishop Gavin launched a diocesan prayer card for vocations at St Joseph’s Church, Glanmire, Co. Cork on Saturday May 7. Speaking at the…
A Catholic diocese in Nigeria has announced “with joy” the release of a priest held captive for 40 days. The Diocese of Zaria in Kaduna State, northern Nigeria, said that Fr Felix Zakari Fidson was released on May 3, reported ACI Africa. Diocesan chancellor Fr Patrick Adikwu Odeh said: “With hearts filled with joy, we announce the return of…
Current and former members of Accord Newbridge gathered to celebrate 50 years supporting marriages and relationships in the parish and wider area. Bishop of Kildare and Leighlin and President of Accord Catholic marriage care Denis Nulty celebrated Mass to mark the event, May 6. Bishop Nulty congratulated the members “on their commitment, dedication and their…
Swiss Guard recruits encouraged to ‘grow as Christians’ Pope Francis on Friday encouraged 36 new recruits of the Pontifical Swiss Guard to “grow as Christians” during their service in Rome. The Pope, who currently uses a wheelchair due to a knee condition, met with the new candidates for the world’s smallest but oldest standing army on May…
The head of the Ukrainian Catholic Church said Russia’s reasons for attacking Ukraine are nothing more than an excuse to justify its ultimate goal of wiping out the country and its people. Archbishop Sviatoslav Shevchuk of Kyiv-Halych said that although Russian President Vladimir Putin has said “demilitarisation and denazification” are the primary reasons for invading…
Ruadhán Jones